ELEGANT: Splendid or luxurious, as in design. Of superior quality; exceptional

LIVABLE: Suitable for living in;worth living; comfortable When looking for the “perfect home,” it is oftentimes almost impossible to mesh those two requirements. A kitchen may look like a setting for a movie,but ridiculous when trying to cook dinner for a family. A backyard may be fun for the children to play in,but embarrassing for an adult al fresco dinner party.That’s the bad news. Now it’s time to drive up the tree-covered street in North Ranch,take a turn into the cul de sac and voila! Here’s a property,elegant and graceful,yet begging for a family to enjoy planting years of memories. Begin by strolling up the brick walkway,past the three-car garage,by meticulous landscaping covered with bright flowers and drought-tolerant ground cover. Inside,a huge,beamed-ceiling beckons in the formal living room,complete with marble fireplace and French doors leading to the patio. Just beyond is the formal dining room,overlooking the terrace and waterfall. What is most striking about these rooms is the wainscoting running along all of the walls.This property has been completely remodeled,top to bottom, “ship to stern,” from hand-made,dual-pane Milgard windows to dramatic wide-planked floors:elegant, meticulous. The family room with fireplace and beamed ceiling is a haven for toasting marshmallows.The adjoining kitchen has a stainless farm sink,massive granite breakfast bar, pantry and

a sweet eating area nestled in a bay window. A separate wing houses a large laundry room, full bath and bedroom that works beautifully as an in-law suite or maid’s quarters. A second bedroom is also wired for use as a media room. All five bedrooms in the home have ensuite baths. The second level has two guest rooms,one facing the hills,the other looking out at the pool. A unique feature of one of these rooms is that it is attached to an enormous extra “space.” Children can fill it with toys,teens with games and friends,it’s the perfect “hideout”! The master suite,with brick fireplace,has a private,walled-in patio,reached by French doors. His and hers separate bathrooms,one with a shower,the other with a jetted soaking tub and vanity,makes this a luxurious sanctuary. Of course,both baths have walk-in closets,with custom cabinetry. Two features are standouts in the outdoor retreat:25 giant redwoods encircle the yard,massive and maintenance-free. Also,it’s misleading to call the pool just a pool. It’s a lagoon,twisting across most of the backyard,with a waterfall spilling into its center. Also adjacent are a fire pit and Jacuzzi,with another waterfall flowing into it. The top level of this oasis hosts a half-court basketball area,custom play sets and a jaw-dropping view of the hills.Yes, this property is elegant and refined,a gem in the heart of North Ranch.Yes, this property is livable,inviting,a family’s dream home.Best of all,this dream can be yours.