The house at 3558 Dana in Jackson is more than just a pretty face. Its innovative and practical design prove that it has brains as well as beauty.

This house has four bedrooms and three baths, making it a very practical home for a growing family. Yet it also has a number of features that give it unexpected touches of luxury.

Its exterior is a warm and sturdy brick, but a good design plan made this house more than the typical ranch-style construction. It has a vaulted ceiling in the living room, and open ledges near the ceiling offer a unique way of displaying antiques or other interesting focal points. Inset lighting above offers increased drama. The living room is the right size to be comfortable for family evenings or entertaining friends.

The kitchen is very warm and cozy, with stone-look white ceramic tile floor, a homey fruit-motif wallpaper and oak cabinetry. A bay window sets the stage for a cheery breakfast nook that overlooks the back deck. Sleek black appliances give the kitchen a modern flair, and a roomy pantry allows for well-organized food planning. A main level utility room is situated close by, with its own window giving it a cheery light. An exit to the two-car garage is also near, making clean up from yard work handy.

All of the bedrooms and bathrooms are generously sized and well-organized with ample closet space. The master bedroom suite is large enough to accommodate large furniture, and the bath area features a whirlpool tub and generous lighting over a double vanity. The whirlpool tub also has a handheld massage showerhead, perfect for a relaxing bath or shower.

The house also has a finished basement, which adds even more living space to its living area. A large family room easily accommodates a pool table for a billiard room, as well as room for many other family entertainment possibilities. A large full bathroom is also located downstairs, and has an interesting mossy green stone-look laminate flooring, bringing the feeling of outdoors inside. Another bedroom or office area is also located downstairs. It has a large-walk-in closet, which would make it a teenager's paradise. An additional family room area can also be used for a teenager's apartment area, offering plenty of room for a sitting area and entertainment center.

A large, unfinished storage area gives the house ample room for seasonal storage or a hobby area.

Outside, the home has a natural stone lined goldfish pond in the back yard , which offers a quiet and relaxing get-away, and a large patio that offers a variety of outdoor entertaining opportunities.

Topping this list of amenities, though, is the home's location. Located in Annwood Estates just off Highway 61 in Jackson, it is only minutes away from work and shopping, and is in the Jackson School District. It is a great family neighborhood, with plenty of children to offer playtime activities for kids of all ages. Despite its proximity to Jackson and Cape, this house maintains a country feel.

This house is currently priced at $179,900 and is available for viewing through Prudential Bridgeport Realtors, 335-0121.

traddle@semissourian.com