Informal Palo Verde wrapped in porches

Covered porches wrap around three sides of the Palo Verde, creating an inviting sense of openness. A parade of tapered columns atop stone veneer bases link painted wooden balustrades that rim the porches.

The side porch has exterior entry steps front and rear, as well as interior access from both the great room and the master suite. If desired, it could be gated for use as a toddler play area. The area immediately outside the master suite also makes an ideal location for a hot tub.

Entering this informal home, you find yourself in a spacious contemporary kitchen. Counter and cabinet space is generously supplied, wrapping around three sides, and a large work island is in the middle. Two or three cooks could easily work together here without bumping elbows.

While the kitchen and great room are well separated, a wide pass-through counter connects the two spaces. Utilities are a few steps away, down a short hallway with a pantry on one side and a coat closet on the other. Garage access comes in handy for unloading groceries.

Its vaulted ceiling makes the large great room seem even larger. This bright space is windowed on three sides and has a masonry fireplace. Circular steps climb to a spacious loft, also vaulted, on the side opposite the double doors. Standing at the loft's rail, you can look down over the great room, or gaze out at the landscape through a high, half-round window or the wide multipaned doors.

Amenities in the Palo Verde's master suite include plenty of closet space and a two-section bathroom. Secondary bedrooms share another two-section bathroom.