CREATED FOR FAMILY LIVING

The oversized kitchen of this house at 1553 Briarcliff in Cape Girardeau features an overhead pot rack, laminated flooring and lots of cabinets. The kitchen opens to the living room with a fireplace and doorway to the screened patio.

A kitchen that's a dream, plenty of room for a large family and even an above-ground pool make this brick ranch with walk-out basement something you'll want to see.

Well-placed trees, shrubs and a rock garden grace the front lawn. The pleasing combination sets the tone for the interior of the house as well.

The entry affords a view of the dining room, family/living room and kitchen. A half-wall with spindles extending to the ceiling separates the family living area from the entry and hall. You can discuss the happenings of the day as the family gathers around the heatolater fireplace. Baby, graduation and wedding photos in addition to your best loved books can be proudly displayed on the bookshelves built on either side of the fireplace. On warm summer evenings, you might choose to take your conversations to the screened deck.

By hanging pots, pans and utensils you can free a lot of cabinet space. The wrought iron ceiling rack in the center of the kitchen will put everything close at hand yet out of the way. Light cabinets on opposite walls and Pergo flooring open the kitchen space. Every family needs that "special" location to leave notes, mail etc. You'll find the kitchen desk a perfect spot for organizing family messages. The attached two-car garage accessible from the kitchen makes bringing in the groceries an easy task. A built-in oven and drop-in JennAir range will please any cook.

Create special memories as you bring the family together in the formal dining room. Double windows keep the area well lit.

Louvered doors enclose the hall closet as well as other closets throughout the house. Three full sets of double closets create an abundance of storage in the master bedroom. Bulky winter clothing and other folded items will be easy to find on the floor to ceiling shelves in one of the closets. Whether beginning or ending your day, the large shower in the master bath will be a delight.

Two additional bedrooms and a bath complete the main floor living area.

Travel from the dining room to the lower level. Spindles create the wall around the open stairway. A ceiling fan at the top of the stairwell helps bring warm air from the downstairs fireplace to the upper level. Whether it's wall-to-wall kids or an adult gathering, the lower level is perfect for entertaining as well as living. Keep food and beverages in the tiled area. Serve guests from the convenience of the brick bar.

Paneled walls, carpeting and a fireplace create a cozy atmosphere in which to entertain. You'll also enjoy time spent on the enclosed lower patio. Two additional rooms could be bedrooms or would also make excellent office/study or sewing/craft rooms. A full bath with shower is located conveniently nearby.

Laundry stays out of sight in the combination laundry/furnace room. The handyman will love the downstairs work area. This large space runs the depth of the house and has an outside exit as well.

Summer's just around the corner and those sweltering days aren't far behind. Just think about taking a relaxing dip in you very own pool. Enjoy the neighborhood of this Parksite Estates home.

Offered by ERA Cape Realty for only $144,900, this 1553 Briarcliff home is a must see.