Front Gables Extend a Warm Welcome

Somehow, front-facing gables have a way of giving a home a welcoming, open look, and that's certainly true of the two-story Claredon.

This traditional American country-style home has yet another inviting feature: a large front porch that spans the front and wraps around to the left. There's plenty of room here for a set of wicker or other outdoor furniture to enhance summer relaxation.

Entering, you step into a vaulted foyer. Double doors on the right open into a den/study/office with plenty of storage at the rear. This space could double as a guest room, if needed. A cased opening on the foyer's left leads into a dining room, which links with the kitchen through a passageway with a pocket door.

Vaulted ceilings expand the sense of volume in the great room and kitchen as well. These two areas are totally open to each other, bounded by the kitchen's long, J-shaped island, rimmed with a raised eating bar. A built-in desk fits neatly into a corner alcove at the end of the counter, near an atrium door that accesses the covered patio.

The owners' suite has direct patio access as well, which would be particularly handy should they decide to install a spa. Other amenities include: oversized shower, dual vanity, private toilet, and roomy walk-in closet.

Two more bedrooms are upstairs, along with a large, two-section bathroom, a storage room, and a deep bonus room over the garage. The front bedroom is vaulted and has a walk-in closet.

A powder room and good-sized utility room are just off the great room. The utility room connects to the Claredon's two-car garage. Next to this garage is another, way deeper, RV garage.