Special ambience Backyard and patio at Cape home make cool place to relax

Picture enjoying summer in a landscaped, shady backyard with hostas, ivy and daylilies galore. A relaxing, centrally located pond trimmed with perennials and stone is shaded by a tree. This pleasant, established garden spot needs little maintenance and is on a level lot with pet-safe electric fencing, soaker hoses and cedar fencing.

The spacious lot, 85 by 125 feet, includes an expansive deck off the kitchen -- great for viewing the picturesque backyard.

The three-bedroom, two-and-half-bathroom home is move-in ready. Its maintenance-free features include vinyl siding and a newly finished basement. The basement has access to a covered porch floored in stone. A sink in this area is handy for entertaining or for creating a potting area. Cascading ivy alongside the porch adds interest to the pavestone flower beds.

There is a half bath near the front entrance with subtle textured walls. All baths in the home include ceramic tile.

The living room faces the shaded front of the home. Track lighting down the center accents the room. A wood-burning stove with brick hearth adds coziness to the room.

The dining room is adjacent to the living room and kitchen. Wainscoting adds dimension to the 9-by-10-foot room.

The kitchen features counter seating at the breakfast nook, which is near the patio doors to the deck.

The kitchen pantry is roomy and close to the gas stove. The kitchen includes a microwave above the stove, a window above the sink, and wood cabinets and trim. Hanging glass storage and wine racks are details that make the kitchen warm and inviting.

A roomy two-car garage is off the kitchen. It has a work bench, storage above and a separate exterior entrance.

The bedrooms are upstairs. The 11-by-20-foot master bedroom has a spacious walk-in closet, which has shelving and multiple rods.

An adjoining master bath, which also can be entered from the hallway, has a soaker tub and Corian countertops on a double vanity.

The remaining bedrooms are 9 by 9 feet and 10 by 14 feet.

The newly refinished lower-level family room is 13 by 28 feet. A ceramic-topped bar expands entertaining options in this room.

A full bath and a sewing room/utility room are decorated nicely. The sewing room has cabinets, counter, a fold-up ironing board on the wall and a washer and dryer all in one area for extra efficiency.

The entire lower level is pleasantly lit and features Berber carpeting.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133

About this home

n Address: 1710 Carolina Lane, Cape Girardeau

n Price: $158,900

n Real estate agent: GMAC Classic

n Open house: Shown by appointment