House has hidden charm

Well-kept, quiet, unassuming -- a good description for this Lexington Place home. A good description that is as long as the view is coming while driving by. Step out and take a better look, however, and prepare to be dazzled. From the well manicured front lawn to the rear garden, loving hours spent toward landscaping are evident.

A covered, recessed entry welcomes guests. But, equally inviting is the entrance off the deck just past the garage. It'll be hard to go inside though. Flowering vines wind gracefully through the trellis work of the rustic arbor. A few minutes (or hours) in this peaceful setting would be a welcome retreat at the end of a long day, or a perfect start to a new one.

Regardless of which door is used, much of the main living area instantly comes into view. Enter from the deck to an extended kitchen area that could serve as a breakfast nook. Just off the entrance is a passage way to the garage and another to the basement. From this vantage point, eyes will wander past the kitchen to the family living area.

But first, the kitchen. Whitewashed light oak cabinets set the tone of the area. An earth-tone counter top adds subtle color. The combination work/eating counter will quickly become a favorite spot to grab a quick snack while talking over the day's events.

Putting those last minute touches on the meal or washing that stubborn pan won't keep the cook secluded from the rest of the family. The sink sits in an angled half wall overlooking the family room. Soft glows are cast from the recessed lighting.

The formal dining area sits just a few steps away. Beyond the dining area is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of bugs or the sun's harsh glare. The screened porch is sure to see many hours of use.

A cathedral ceiling makes the already large family room seem even larger. Gather family and friends for a quiet evening while enjoying the glow from the wood-burning fireplace.

More surprises are in store in the master suite. Storage space won't be a problem with the extra large walk-in closet. An oversize shower is the highlight of the master bath.

Sometimes it's just hard to put an end to the day. Catch up on the news or read a few chapters of that favorite book before turning in for the night, and do so from the comfort of that favorite easy chair placed in the bedroom's sitting area.

A full bath, hall linen closet and two additional bedrooms complete the main level floor plan.

Much of the finish work on the basement has been completed. Bookshelves are in place for a home office or student's work area. Open the door of the large walk-in closet and enjoy the cedar fragrance. A bath has been partially completed. It won't take much effort to transform the remainder of the lower level into living space.

But, there's still one more surprise. Put all those gardening skills to work in the greenhouse under the upper deck. Family and friends will delight when presented with plants lovingly nurtured from tiny starts.

Entertain friends, spend a quiet evening at home, putter in the garden. With this property you can do it all.

Century 21 Key Realty can schedule a showing of this $202,000 home.

dbedwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 211