Nestled in a neighborhood

Cape Girardeau home is like a hidden jewel with a stately entrance and simple style.

By Tammy Raddle ~ Southeast Missourian

Every once in a while you find a house nestled in a great neighborhood but not so far away as to be inconvenient.

That exactly describes the house at 418 Lorraine in Engram Farms Subdivision in Cape Girardeau.

This house, in a great neighborhood with beautiful homes, is tucked neatly into a well-insulated area less than five minutes from all of the city's conveniences.

Much like the ring setting showcases the brilliance of the stone, the neighborhood around this house sets off the home like a jewel.

The exterior of the house is brown brick, with a stately entrance and simple, but effective landscaping surrounding it. The entrance itself is built into an extended bay, and the home has an excellent sense of symmetry. The entrance door features handsome frosted and leaded glass and matching sidelights.

This home exhibits an excellent use of color, with mauves, greens and roses, and blues being used throughout to give it a quality of softness. Large and numerous windows throughout the house give it the warmth of natural light.

To the left of the foyer is a drawing room with doors that can be closed for more privacy. Gleaming hardwood floors are found here and throughout the house. On the opposite side of the foyer is a formal dining room with plush beige carpeting. A lovely brass chandelier is a focal point, offering an elegant touch.

The home's family room features a cathedral ceiling, classic brick fireplace, and a built-in entertainment center that can be closed off. Recessed lighting in the room gives it even light and a sense of drama. French doors from the family room lead to a multi-level redwood deck.

The kitchen features a bay window area as a breakfast nook that looks out over the deck. Oak cabinetry in the kitchen includes a built-in wine rack. A smooth-top range is among the amenities offered in this warm, family-oriented kitchen.

The home has four bedrooms, each done with rich wall color, plush carpeting and plentiful closet space. The master suite includes a large master bathroom.

Downstairs is a finished area that could act as a mother-in-law apartment. It has its own half bath, kitchen and another laundry area. The downstairs area also includes a roomy game area, a family room area complete with a classic white-mantled gas log fireplace and a small office area. A downstairs bedroom suite acts as a second master suite, with its own bathroom, and plenty of room for a restful lounging area.

A favorite part of this house is a screened-in porch that actually serves as both an indoor and outdoor room. The soothing sounds of a fountain and goldfish pond are found on both sides of the screened area, and a brick floor gives the room a wonderful transition from the inside to the outside.

With more than an acre of land, this home offers numerous landscaping and gardening opportunities.

This home is currently listed at $310,000, and is available for viewing through ERA Cape Realty, 334-2895.

traddle@semissourian.com