Nostalgic neatness

I remember when I was a kid and watched those family situation comedies like "Leave It To Beaver" and "The Brady Bunch." Those families always lived in houses that were consistently tidy and had yards that were impeccably manicured. I always wondered if such a life was really possible.

Apparently it is, and it's at 1420 Primrose Drive in Jackson. An open house is being held from 1 to 3 p.m. today.

Not only was this house "neat as a pin," as my grandmother always said, and its yard perfectly manicured, but every house in the neighborhood was in the same condition.

This classic all-brick ranch home looks as if it is completely new, though it is actually six to 10 years old. That makes it a perfect house to move into. It's been life-tested but certainly doesn't show it.

The exterior is a warm brick with burgundy entrance door and shutters. Quaint white lanterns offer evening lighting for the entrance door with its lengthy porch and also light each side of the doors to the two-car garage.

Inside, the home is light and airy, with beige plush carpeting throughout much of the house. Double windows in the dining room look out over the front yard, and a stylish brass-and-glass chandelier-type fixture offers graceful evening lighting.

The large living room has a cathedral ceiling and a gas-log fireplace as its focal point. A door from the living room goes to a large patio with a white privacy fence. The level and easy-to-maintain yard makes for a pleasant view from every window.

The kitchen includes oak cabinets with porcelain-and-brass pulls and an eggshell-color countertop. Flooring is white tile-look linoleum. The kitchen includes all modern appliances, including a smooth-top range and white porcelain double sink. Easy-to-clean casement windows overlook the front yard. An eat-in kitchen bar and communications area with slots for mail are another convenient feature of this kitchen.

The two-car garage is oversized and as neat and well-organized as the rest of the home. A large laundry room also offers organized spaces for hanging clothes and a deep sink for hand washables.

A main-level bath features cabinetry that matches those in the kitchen, and a charming rose motif wallpaper. The bathroom also includes a large vanity mirror and tub/shower.

This home includes four bedrooms, all of a comfortable size, with plenty of natural light and closet space. The master bedroom suite is large, with two windows, a deep closet and master bath with separate vanity and toilet/bathing areas.

This home also has a finished basement with a large family room area. Other downstairs rooms include a large bedroom, which could be used as an exercise room or hobby room. A roomy unfinished area allows for plenty of storage space.

This neat-as-a-pin home is currently listed at $199,900 and is available for viewing through Century 21 McElrath Realty, 243-1489.

traddle@semissourian.com