Real estate showcase 10/19/03

Every town has a city with a house that everyone loves. It's a house with such visual appeal that it catches people's attention, and makes it a virtual icon for that town.

Some people feel that way about the house at 2405 Terrie Hill in Cape Girardeau. Terrie Hill is a quiet, well-established street off of Cape Rock Drive, and the home at that address has been there since the 1940s.

The exterior is brick with classic early American features, such as a large bay window area, white wooden shutters and cottage-style French casement windows that add distinction to the home both outside and inside. With its location on top of a shady hill, it has the feel of a country home. When it was built, its location on Cape Girardeau's west side probably was considered country. Now it is centrally located.

Inside, this home has the feel of an impeccable pedigree. It still has its original arches on the main floor, giving it a 1940s romance. Crown moldings and center ceiling medallions are other nice touches that just now making a comeback in many of today's new home designs. A gas fireplace has been added to the living room, but it is housed in a classic white mantle and black marble facing.

One of this home's greatest strengths is in its flexibility. Rooms can easily be converted from bedrooms to study rooms to hobby rooms, all depending upon the needs of the homeowner of the time. That flexibility is evident through some of the renovations that have been made over the years. The kitchen is a fascinating combination of old feel with modern convenience.

Light oak cabinetry has been combined with Old World style stone tile in rock tones. The countertop is a coffee color, and a double stainless steel sink is situated just beneath a lovely paned window. All of this gives a feeling of longevity, but that has been paired with modern appliances, including a trash compactor, dishwasher, smoothtop range with a microwave above it, and a stainless steel decorator refrigerator. White tongue and groove splashboards maintain the feeling of originality.

Hardwood floors are found on most of the main floor, and rich, dark walnut paneling is found in the finished basement. The warmth of the wood floors works well with the light color palette used throughout the house on the walls. Those walls perfectly reflect light pouring through the paned windows found throughout.

This home is currently listed at $400,000 and is available for viewing through Century 21 Key Realty, 334-7736.

traddle@semissourian.com