First look at a great home

Do you ever wonder what the real estate for sale ads aren’t saying? Do you sometimes wish they’d give you just a little more information?

Come with me this week and get a first look at a truly amazing home for sale in rural Franklin County, near Rantoul.

The “wow” factor kicks in when you get your first peek at the home from the road. This handsome, custom-built beauty sits pretty as a picture on a small hillock on 5.64 acres.

Since we’re guests, we’ll go in through the front door, nestled behind a covered front porch. Once inside the entry hall, the first impressive sight is a set of beautiful maple floors.

Their warm, glossy beauty against the neutral colored walls and ceilings makes for a stunning combination.

The 23-foot-by-17-foot great room has a center carpet inset and an amazing built-in maple entertainment center with pull-out side panels for DVD storage.

Off the great room is a 12-foot-by-12-foot space currently being used as a den. It also would work well as a home office, reading room, library or children’s area. A cozy window seat adds to the charm.

The 16-foot-by-14-foot kitchen in this home is every woman’s dream, starting with the electrical outlets above the kitchen cabinets — so your special collectibles can always be displayed in good light.

The kitchen island and pantry both have drawers galore and a built-in plate rack can be used for everyday dishes or for heirloom pieces that really are just for show. There’s a double pull-out trash can behind a surprisingly ordinary looking cabinet door and a built-in spice rack behind another.

The brushed stainless steel appliances add a touch of urban appeal and stay with the home.

The kitchen spills into the 12-foot-by-12-foot dining room. The attraction to this particular room is that it can be as formal or casual as your lifestyle demands. There’s another window seat and French doors that lead out to a covered patio.

If we actually lived in this home, we would have probably entered from the two-car, attached garage and started our tour in the first-floor laundry room — where more of those handy built-ins abound. This room also is accessible from the kitchen through a six-panel interior door.

The master bedroom is box vaulted with rope lighting. It features a walk-in closet with lots of shelving and a built-in ironing board.

The master bath features a jetted garden tub, lots of beautiful tile, a separate shower and a double vanity.

The second and third bedrooms both measure 14-foot-by-13-foot. They feature ceiling fans and closets with lots of cubbies for toy and game storage or folded clothing.

A stunning hardwood staircase takes us down to the walk-out basement. While unfinished, it has been stubbed for a third bath and features a storm shelter.

The home is heated and cooled by twin electric heat pumps and has Anderson casement windows.

The property includes a 30-foot-by-40-foot outbuilding with a concrete floor, 220 electrical and a wood-burning stove.

The backyard has a 27-foot above-ground pool with a deck that’s sure to be a hit with the kids.

No corners were cut when building this extraordinary home. It promises to be the perfect place for a new family to share life and love or just to be.

For your personal showing, call Mary Ann Domnanish, with Reece & Nichols, Town & Country Realty, at (785) 418-4402.

Linda Brown is marketing director for The Ottawa Herald. E-mail her at lbrown@ottawaherald.com.