Heartison tuned to family life

The Heartison's exterior has an intriguing European ranch flavor, while its interior is very much in tune with the preferences of contemporary American families. European elements show up in the clipped gables, arched and shuttered windows, ornamental coach lights, and graceful cast iron balcony.

Entering, you step from the porch into a vaulted foyer where light streams down through a slender arched dormer window above. Straight ahead, the foyer opens out into an expansive two-story great room where windows flank a wide-hearthed fireplace on the rear wall.

Just past the stairs, the dining area is completely open to this large space, as is the kitchen to the dining area. Sliding glass doors lead out onto a covered patio that could be screened, if desired.

Kitchen features include: a roomy walk-in pantry, large work island, and built-in appliances. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can watch the seasons change outside, or converse with people in the nook and living room. Laundry appliances are nearby, next to a powder room and direct access to the two-car garage.

The owners' suite is in a wing by itself, with no rooms overhead. It has a classic tray ceiling, and a luxurious bathroom with twin sinks, claw foot tub, walk-in shower, and private toilet. Sparkling glass blocks line the passageway into the shower. The suite's commodious walk-in closet even has a built-in dresser with an arched window above it.

From the railed loft on the second floor, you can overlook the great room. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a large bonus room are also on the Heartison's upper level. Both bedrooms have walk-in closets, and the bonus room also offers plenty of storage space, in a sloped-ceiling closet opposite a windowed dormer.