The new ranch

There was a time when a ranch-style house meant one thing -- boxy and boring. That certainly is no longer the case. Ranch-style homes today are as varied as any other style of home. Now all it means is that the home has its main living space conveniently all on one floor.

To get an idea of just how interesting a ranch home can be, stop by 2151 Sussex during an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. today. This home is only about three years old, features Dryvit construction and a varying roof line which makes it architecturally interesting. In addition, the level yard has simple, elegant landscaping with colorful perennials and annuals, sculptured evergreens and solar-powered landscape lighting along the walkway.

With a location in the Alma Schrader school district, a two-car garage, more than 2,200 square feet of main-level living space, four bedrooms and three and a half baths, it's a great house for almost any family.

The home also includes a roomy deck and patio.

The entryway has a beautiful dark oak-look door with leaded glass and sidelights. An elegant Palladian-style window graces the apex above the covered front porch.

The foyer has light marble tile in beige and cream tones. Walls throughout the house are a buttery yellow, offering soft color while retaining the ease of a neutral decor base.

The living room has plush cream carpeting with an elevated ceiling and recessed lighting. The living room also features an interesting cut-away wall that includes a window to the dining area and two windows near the ceiling. The nearby eat-in kitchen area has Old World-style tile and a sliding French door that opens to the deck. The kitchen itself has a cool green marble countertop and rich cherry cabinetry. Modern appliances include a smoothtop range, black side-by-side refrigerator with indoor drink and ice dispenser, a built-in oven and microwave and a custom-made shelf for a kitchen television.

The formal dining room has a gracious Old World chandelier hanging from a classical ceiling medallion. The walls feature a green marble-look covering with a burgundy chair rail and floral wall border for just the right combination of color and texture. Charming cottage windows are above a large dining room window, providing a wealth of natural light.

Nearby is the main-level laundry room, also featuring tile floors, a window for natural light, crisp, white cabinets, plenty of room for hanging clothes and a deep sink for hand washables. Also nearby is a half bathroom with a white pedestal sink and polished nickel and brass hardware.

The main level bathroom close to the bedrooms also includes a tiled floor, cherry cabinetry and polished nickel bathroom hardware. A separate bath/shower and toilet area ensures extra privacy. The wallpaper there is a tasteful hydrangea print with a soft green and white pinstripe on the lower half of the wall.

Each of the four bedrooms is of comfortable size, with plenty of closet space and natural light. The master bedroom features an inset ceiling and beautiful ceiling fan with an antique brass and opaque glass light fixture. This room is big enough to accommodate large furniture pieces as well as a small sitting room.

The master bath has a double-sink vanity and vanity mirror the length of the cherry cabinetry. A corner whirlpool tub and step-in shower make this the perfect spot for relaxation. There is a separate toilet area with a large walk-in closet.

This home also features a finished walk-out basement with beige berber carpeting. It includes a large family room and a full bath, large vanity mirror and a shower/tub. Several windows and a French door leading to the patio keep this basement from feeling like a basement. It also has a good-sized unfinished storage area, including a third garage. Also downstairs is room for a fifth bedroom or office.

This home is currently listed at $289,900, and is available for viewing through Century 21 Ashland Realty, 334-0125.

traddle@semissourian.com