Allenspark makes a versatile family home

Painted wooden shutters, clean-lined posts, and multipaned windows give the Allenspark the comforting allure of a country cottage. Inside, its floor plan is well designed to suit the needs of a contemporary family.

Gathering spaces flow together at the rear, where natural light washes into the vaulted great room and dining area through wide windows and a set of sliding glass doors. Those doors offer easy access to a covered patio, its roof supported by slender posts similar to the trio of posts in front. The gas fireplace, tucked into an interior corner across the room from the windows, creates a cheerful focal point on dreary days and long dark nights.

An eating bar forms a partial yet visually open boundary between the dining room and a large kitchen generously supplied with counter space. The counters that wrap around four sides are punctuated by built-in appliances and a roomy walk-in pantry.

Another gas fireplace is in the vaulted owners' suite, where flame watching can serve as a pleasant, completely natural sleep aid. One set of pocket doors in the private bathroom opens into a walk-in closet, while the other set can close off the toilet and step-in shower for privacy and steam containment.

The large utility room is equally convenient to both the bedroom wing and the kitchen. Stairs in the hallway lead to an upstairs recreation room complete with a wet bar and small bathroom.

Two rooms are at the front of the Allenspark. The bayed room on the left could be used as a den, parlor, or home office. The other room, down a short hallway to the right, could be a study, bedroom, or whatever suits its owners.