Living a dream

Architects design a structure; contractors turn it into a house. But it takes a family to make it a dream home.

The house at 2204 Cambridge Drive could be some family's dream home. Its exterior is an interesting brick and stucco combination. It has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a three-car garage. Altogether, it has more than 3,000 square feet of living space. An open house is being held there today from 1 to 4 p.m.

Though it is built loftily on a hill, it has an easily maintained, sunny yard. It has a sprinkler and security system. Its white entrance door with sidelights and transom above are inviting.

Inside, hardwood floors gleam in the foyer. The formal dining room is to the left, with plush eggshell carpeting and large floor-to-ceiling casement windows set in a bay. The walls are a light sage color with a contrasting white chair rail. The room seems airy with its coffered ceiling, and features an elegant brass and crystal chandelier.

The living room also features plush eggshell carpeting, light walls and a double-sided gas log fireplace that provides a focal point for both the living room and kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling casement windows give the room lots of natural light and a nice view of the back yard.

The kitchen is large, with ceramic tile floors, country blue walls and oak cabinetry. A sliding glass door opens to the rear deck. This kitchen has been well designed to provide plenty of cabinet and countertop space. Two corner windows over the double stainless steel sink provide a restful view for anyone doing kitchen chores. Those chores are easily taken care of with amenities like an electric range, above-range microwave, dishwasher, and a side-by-side refrigerator with in-door drink and ice dispenser.

A large laundry room is also on the main floor of this home. It has plenty of space for the washer and dryer, and also includes a large, deep sink for hand washables and an exit to the garage.

The main level half bath's ruby red walls and birdhouse motif border give it a playful feel.

Upstairs is the home's master bedroom suite. It also features a coffered ceiling, and maximizes light with a soft, neutral color palette. Two large casement windows illuminate the room with natural light.

The master bath has a large whirlpool tub with six jets, encased garden-style into a ceramic tile pedestal in a bay window. The vanity has a granite-look countertop and double sink convenience. A separate toilet and step-in shower make this bathing area functional for more than one person at a time. Nearby is the suite's large walk-in closet.

Another upstairs bedroom also features wonderful windows, including a high Palladian window placed above double casement windows. This bedroom also has a large double folding closet door. A third large bedroom features many of the same amenities.

The upstairs bath features white tile-look linoleum and cool aqua walls with a sailboat motif border at the ceiling line. The bath/shower is accompanied by a double sink vanity in oak.

This home also includes a finished basement with sculptured carpeting in beige tones. Again, a soft color palette keeps the large family room light and open with the help of two large casement windows. A large unfinished storage area is also downstairs, along with a convenient bathroom complete with a tub/shower.

This home is only six to 10 years old, is located in the Alma Schrader Elementary School District, and is currently listed at just $255,900.

traddle@semissourian.com