Multitalented multilevel

Multilevel homes are always full of surprises. Visitors can find that out themselves today at an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. at 3007 Bernice St. in Cape Girardeau.

The surprise of a multilevel home is that there is always more space inside than you might expect.

From the outside, this house looks to be a simply designed brick and vinyl, located in Lakeview Estates. It has a large yard, effectively landscaped with nighttime lighting and features to invite leisure and gardening. The homeowner also has access to the neighborhood swimming pool, tennis court and lakes.

Inside, this home has four bedrooms, three baths, a two-car garage and plenty of living and storage space.

The entry foyer features wood parquet flooring and a handsome staircase in dark oak and white. To the left is the formal dining room, also with wood parquet floor. An attractive opaque-glass and pewter chandelier gives the room a bit of old-world charm. A large picture window veiled with custom draperies overlooks the front yard. The warm butter-colored walls give the room quiet cheer.

The family room features a lofty cathedral ceiling balanced nicely with hardwood floors. The room's centerpiece is the floor-to-ceiling white-brick fireplace with a ceramic-tile hearth.

The kitchen features earthy gray cabinetry and wood parquet floor. Appliances include a stainless-steel smoothtop range, an above-range built-in microwave, dishwasher and double-stainless-steel sink with a window above it. Patio doors lead to the rear deck, which enjoys a nice combination of sun and shade.

Down a level is a bathroom with faux-painted walls and a tile floor. A step-in shower and entry to a bedroom is another nice feature. The bedroom features ruby-colored walls and large double windows that overlook the deck and back yard.

Down yet another level is a family room, with eye-catching black-and-white tile floors and cheery spring-green walls with white trim. A brick fireplace with wood-burning insert provides visual focus and warmth for the room. Also in this area is an office corner and plenty of closet space.

The other bedrooms are on the upper level, along with a bathroom with tile flooring, a white vanity with marble-look countertop and cocoa-and-cream-colored walls. A large vanity mirror is a nice focal point. The bathroom has a tub-shower and a window for natural light.

Each of the upstairs bedrooms has its own personality, particularly the master bedroom. It has hardwood flooring, large double windows with custom draperies and warm, butter-colored walls. A spacious his-and-hers walk-in closet is also a nice feature, complete with a built-in cabinetry and tile flooring.

The master bathroom has a textured slate tile floor and a large oval garden-style whirlpool tub. A step-in shower is also available as a bathing option. The bathroom vanity features a granite-look countertop.

The home's top level contains an open loft that overlooks the foyer and living room and a study-office area with a custom desk built into the alcove. Double windows give a towering treehouse kind of view.

The listing price on this home has just recently been reduced to $228,900. It is available for viewing through Century 21 Key Realty, 334-7736.

traddle@semissourian.com