Midwest Mediterranean House built in Mediterranean style sits o

The saying goes: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," but sometimes it pays to bring a little bit of the culture back home. And that's what the builders did with the house at 171 Kenco Drive near Fruitland, Mo. An open house will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today.

Sure, they built a house in the expansive farm country of Southeast Missouri, and they did so in a sprawling ranch style home. But, in certain parts of the house, they did it with Mediterranean style.

Even from the outside, this expansive ranch home is something different. The view all around the house is tantalizing, with a large, glistening pond to the front of the house and lots of earth and sky in every other direction. Set on 8.6 acres of even land, this yard is ripe for landscape artists.

Inside, the foyer area is a unique hand-laid tile mosaic, depicting a compass rose. Three large windows at the rear of the living room area cast beams of natural light through the room. A gas log fireplace has been artfully constructed with space built above for a large television set and stereo equipment. The home is wired for surround sound throughout.

The kitchen's oversized countertop is a golden tone marble. Warm oak cabinets and modern, white appliances contrast against the Old World materials. A large window situated above the white porcelain double kitchen sinks offers another tantalizing view of the large pond in front of the home.

A large main level laundry room with marble tile-look flooring and a countertop matching the kitchen's offers a convenient location for doing wash and folding clean laundry. The hanging space above the washer and dryer make it even more convenient and well-organized.

One of the most impressive features of this home is a large, round window located at the landing of the steps leading downstairs. The window is 5 feet in diameter, and offers a breath-taking view of land and sky behind the house. The deck is designed so that it is partially covered, and an outdoor ceiling fan stirs the breezes.

Also on the main level of the house is the master bedroom suite, which is where the builders borrowed a few ideas from Greek and Roman architecture. Striking columns set the stage for a room designed for drama.

The master bath is a work of art, done completely in Spanish tile on the floor, walls and around the large step-in garden tub. A Roman arch is above the tub, with silk ivy climbing realistically along the tile walls.

This home has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, making it spacious enough for any family. Two of the main level bedrooms feature built-in vanity/desk areas.

The downstairs is highlighted by a large family room. The room could easily accommodate a large-screen television, pool table or any other items for family entertainment. It also features a built-in gas log fireplace done with a southwestern flair. It also has a small kitchenette with sink, small refrigerator and microwave with oak cabinets situated above.

This home is currently priced at $349,000, and is available for viewing through Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty, 243-8811.

traddle@semissourian.com