Classic beauty

Just as there are women who are classic beauties, there are homes that are classic beauties. The house at 1736 El Rio Drive in Cape Girardeau is the Grace Kelly of homes -- classic in its beauty and perfection.

It's a majestic two-story brick home with an acre of land that puts its back yard near the 15th hole of the Jaycee Golf Course. You can't beat a combination of Grace Kelly style and golf.

The semicircle driveway and the oversized two-car garage offer ease in entering or leaving. The well-kept lawn and bubbling fountain at the front of the home set the perfect tone for guests arriving through the home's full-view entry door and sidelights with beveled and leaded glass. A striking Palladium window at the second-story level with a shining brass chandelier is the centerpiece for both the exterior and interior views.

In the foyer, oak hardwood flooring gleams. An oak and white staircase climbs to the second floor. To the left of the foyer is the formal living room, classic in its light color palette and tall windows for an abundance of natural light. To the right of the foyer is the formal dining room, with ruby walls and contrasting white baseboards and crown molding.

The family room features buttery beige walls, plush eggshell carpeting and three large windows that overlook the home's roomy rear deck. A gas log fireplace with beige marble facing and a classic white mantle offers a focal point and touch of warmth on cool days. Inset lighting around the room offers subtle artificial light.

Cheery kitchen

The kitchen is large and cheery, with warm oak cabinetry and bright brass pulls. Off-white tile complements the countertops of the same palette, and a gorgeous picture window over the double sink offers such a wonderful view that one is inclined to forget about kitchen work. Sliding glass doors lead to the deck, and another large picture window in the informal dining room offers another abundant transfusion of natural light and another restful view of the back yard and golf course. An open soffet above the cabinetry offers a charming area for the display of favorite collectibles, and a glass-fronted cabinet offers great display for favorite china or glassware.

Appliances include a smoothtop white range with above microwave, dishwasher, side-by-side refrigerator with indoor drink and ice dispenser, and an appliance garage. A kitchen island encased in oak offers yet more meal preparation area and extra storage. There is plenty of pantry space, and a handy swinging door leads to the formal dining room. The kitchen uses color well with its pear and plum wallpaper motif.

A main-level bathroom features a tile floor, a step-in-shower with a built-in seat, a white pedestal sink and a charming baby bluebird motif wallpaper border.

The main-level laundry room also makes use of whimsical laundry-line wallpaper border and a garden print below. An artistic octagonal window is a nice touch in the room, along with more practical touches like a fold-up ironing board in an oak encasement.

The home's four bedrooms are upstairs, each with its own personality and flair. The master bedroom suite has soft cocoa and creme walls with custom draperies. The master bath features gleaming white marble tile, white cabinetry with bright brass pulls and a large vanity mirror that runs the length of the double-sink vanity. The bathroom has as its centerpiece a large whirlpool garden-style tub with a large octagonal window above it. Also featured are a step-in shower with built-in seat and a large, well-organized walk-in closet.

This home also has a finished basement with abundant entertainment and game room space. French doors divide two of the rooms, allowing for quiet areas. Two large picture windows at the rear of the house allow the rooms to avoid a basement atmosphere and look out over the well-groomed back yard.

Also downstairs is another bathroom, and an unfinished storage area. There is plenty of space downstairs for the possibility of an extra bedroom.

This home is listed at $337,500 and is available for viewing through Prudential Bridgeport, 335-0121.