This traditional home has nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, three bedrooms, two full baths with one half-bath, all in under 2600 square feet. Plus, a two-car garage, of course. The front of the home boasts large arched windows that complement those in the garage and the bonus room upstairs. The corners are studded with quoins (an architectural term for stones or decorative features found on corners of buildings).
Let the Sun Shine In
Sometimes the back view of a home is as stunning as the front; this is the case for the Riviera C-2585 by Living Concepts. The back of the house is windowful– windows from east to west (or right to left). Time to let the sunshine in, or better yet, get outside through those back doors and into your yard for that much needed Vitamin D.
And Function with Beauty
The two-car garage is found on the left side of the house, looking towards the front of the home. After leaving your vehicle secured, you will notice that you have room for more than just 2 cars. Perhaps you enjoy working outside; hanging a few garden tools in here will be no problem. You will find room, too, for metal cabinets with doors to keep little hands out of fertilizers and spray paint. To protect and beautify that garage floor, an epoxy coat with color flakes makes clean up easy (best to call in the professionals for that application, though).
Home at Last
Two steps up from the garage into the house and you have a reach-in closet on your right. Time to toss those heels and slide into something a little more comfortable before tackling the end-of-the-day-chores that await you. The laundry room is on this side, too, as well as the powder room, both before entering any of the main gathering rooms. Stairs going up to the bonus room are on your left.
And Time for a Meal
Walking straight ahead, you enter the kitchen. Countertops flank both wall sides, with the oven/stovetop on your left and room for that smart refrigerator on your right. (I just need one that locks at 8 PM and unlocks at 6 AM). Continuing forward, the kitchen island is a stretched octagonal shape with space for the sink and dishwasher. The kitchen pantry is on the right just before entering the breakfast nook, where you can relax as you share meals with loved ones and look out onto your yard. (Remember those windows in the back I told you about?). A door leads to the covered lanai.
Gathering After the Meal
The keeping room (known by some as a gathering room), is enveloped by windows and has a fireplace. From your meal to relaxing here with a cool drink and a smoldering fire, perhaps in that Soriana sofa you splurged on recently, will make whatever worries you carried throughout the day disappear, if only for a little bit.
And a Walk Outside
The kitchen opens into the grand room; the walls here plead for bookshelves filled with your favorite genres, be it a classical or fantasy. After a long stretch of reading your pick, nestled in your favorite reading chair, it will be time for you to stretch your legs and wander outside. The covered lanai extends the back of the house providing a protected area for entertainment and outside dining. Adding a few chairs and accent tables will extend your living from inside to out.
Dining in Style
Back inside, the grand room is open to the formal dining room and the foyer. Though formal dining may be used less frequently than the breakfast nook or even the kitchen island, the room is important when you want to celebrate a special event with your favorite people and show off that seldom-used chinaware stashed away in the corner cabinet. It is also quite useful for crowd spill-over during larger events. Either way, the formal dining room is one to be used.
And Relaxing in Your Suite
You will find the master suite on the right side of the home. From the foyer, you step inside a small hall that has a reach-in closet immediately on your right. On your left, you will find the door that leads to the main bedroom suite. Inside, there is plenty of room for your bed, as well as a sitting area, where you can install a covered bench for seating (extra storage underneath) or place a chair with ottoman alongside the windows. You can open the door nearby to the covered lanai on those pollen-less mornings or afternoons.
Master Suite Extras
Extras? There are two walk-in closets (best for not bumping into early dressers) and there are two single sinks in the master bath. Why is this important? If you both arise early, you will need all the space available to get ready. Just a fact of life. There is even room on the countertop for that Bluetooth mirror so you can jam while you dress your face (I’m thinking Jason Mraz). You will find a garden tub (oh, the possibilities here!), a walk-in shower, plus another closet (reach-in, across from one of the walk-ins) for storage of your paper products. And wait- there’s even a door for the toilet– now that’s what I call privacy!
And a Bath to Share
The second and third bedroom suites are found on the left side of the house. The second suite, closest to the kitchen, has a large reach-in closet, while the third suite, closest to the garage, has a walk-in one. They also share a bath, known as a Jack-and-Jill bath. (This arrangement was named after the popular Mother Goose rhyme, Jack and Jill). The bathroom suite has separate sinks, a reach-in closet and shower/tub combination. Stairs leading to the bonus room are closest to the second bedroom suite.
The Bonus Room
Upstairs, the bonus room is a blank canvas. You could turn this into a media room, with space still for a workout machine or two. Perhaps this could be your mindfulness-inspired space, complete with yoga mats and a tea station. Since attic access is nearby, any clutter that you might have here or elsewhere can be securely stowed away inside this space.
And a Home to Love
The Riviera by Living Concepts is abundantly traditional while offering the 21st century family room to live and play. Beautiful windows embrace the back of the house while the front of the home welcomes you. Tradition with function, and a home you can love.