Tucked among the rolling hills of Camarillo is the neighborhood long known as Los Posas Estates — an area with a somewhat rural feel where the roads wind gently past old and new custom homes with the backdrop of lush mature trees and landscape while occasionally allowing for a glimpse of the fairways, ponds and clubhouse of the Las Posas Golf Club.

It is in the neighborhood of Los Posas Estates where residents can enjoy quiet and relaxed surroundings, much like the Romans in ancient times did when they went to their villas in the hills near the city.

It is here where one of RE/MAX associate broker Fred Evans' current listings can be found — a rambling, single-story four-bedroom, two and one-half bath home featuring exquisite craftsmanship of days gone by — a listing he refers to as a Tuscany Villa.

From the front of the home featuring the architectural columns creating the inviting front loggia, and marked with a traditional elegant fountain, you can see the Topa Topa mountains and in the distance from the rear of the yard, the neighborhood's younger cousin Spanish Hills. It is an area that is quiet and tranquil — almost as if no others exist for miles.

Great pains were taken in the execution of bringing the Tuscan architectural details to life — from the low pitched tiled roof and plastered walls, with the master craftsman's distinct ability to create a smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture, to abundant stonework in tumbled travertine and limestone, used extensively throughout the house, with vaulted ceilings, arched openings and hallway loggias inside and out.

The homesellers fell in love with the property upon first glance.

"When we first saw the house we really liked the vaulted ceilings with wood beams and how open the floor plan is," they agreed.

With a large family to house, the residence provided a lot of space inside and out for all of them to thrive.

Approaching the entrance, a wine cellar is protected by a custom wrought-iron door featuring 2-dimensional grape clusters, leaves and vines intertwining to form a heart in its center, one of the homesellers' personal fingerprints on the residence. "We knew we wanted to develop the space as a wine cellar and wanted something in wrought iron to go with the style of the house," he said.

They commissioned a local artist who presented a portfolio of doors to spark the homesellers' ideas.

And soon the vision of the grapevines coming together to form a heart came to life. "I was absolutely stunned when I saw it," she said. "I had no idea it would turn out as wonderful as it did."

The front loggia features columns and graceful arches joining what is now used for an office and the wine cellar.

Once inside, you step into a land of rich Tuscany colors, shades, textures and warmth.

The classic Tuscany decorated dining room offers wonderful warm color with burgundy walls, ornate dining room table and accessories to complement the formal room.

Across the loggia is a classic arch opening into the formal living room which features neutral mosaic tiled steps.

A beautiful wood-burning fireplace with its tastefully styled mantel and hearth bring the warmth of the Tuscany villa to the forefront. Neutral carpet tones add to the warmth. French doors are the first of many sets throughout the house that lead to the outside and confines of the lush backyard.

At one end of the hallway is the gourmet kitchen featuring two rectangular skylights that sit nestled comfortably between the wood beams of the vaulted ceiling. A preparation island with a small sink and fortified by sandy-colored granite countertops offers storage and also is a breakfast bar with barstools neatly fitting into the area. Stainless steel appliances complement the warm wood tone of the cabinets. A large amount of storage is available in the many cabinets along the wall. Also designed into the kitchen is a small bay window area large enough for a small café table for morning juice and toast. Opposite the main meal preparation area is a built-in buffet with a large number of cabinets above and below. There is no wondering where groceries will go in this kitchen.

And of course, adjoining the kitchen is a step-down family room which the homesellers currently use as their game room. A mural of the Tuscan valley adorns the wall to one side of this room. French doors let in natural breezes. A large pool table currently inhabits the room which the homesellers say has been a great gathering place for themselves and their children.

Off in the corner is the second of three fireplaces throughout, adding warmth during the city's cooler winter months.

The floor plan separates the bedrooms evenly on both ends of the hallway. Two bedrooms (or one bedroom and an office/optional 5th bedroom), a bath and laundry room are on one side of the loggia and the master suite and two bedrooms are on the other side.

Walking back down the interior loggia, one feels as if they were off in another land. Away from the active areas of the house are a bath plus two bedrooms, one with French doors leading to the backyard and the other across the hall with a lot of space for an older child to spend endless hours dreaming and planning their future.

And finally one arrives at the master suite. The massive room features a step down to the main room where the vaulted ceilings and large bed give way to French doors to the backyard, offering just a hint of a sunset visible at dusk.

The elegant fireplace boasts a niche above the mantel in limestone and tile in subtle neutral hues and is flanked by large walk-in his and her closets.

A sitting area offers a comfortable place to journal or spend a quiet evening reading a captivating novel.

The master bath suite is spacious with oval tub, separate shower and dual sinks within a cabinet of warm oak. Also partaking in this space is an open area which can be used as yet another closet and French doors leading to the side of the yard.

The undeveloped side of the yard is open for the homebuyer's vision: a personal vineyard, or small orchard with a variety of fruit trees, walnut trees, avocado bushes, or perhaps your own personal Tuscany landscape just waiting to be sown and reaped. Your imagination is the limit.

The backyard has a lush green lawn, mature trees and block wall fencing , hardly giving any idea that there are neighbors on the other side.

Although it is near the golf course, the property is so private you wouldn't think that you could walk right out the back gate and almost onto the fairway and the 14th hole. "The house is a golfer's dream — especially if the 14th hole is your lucky hole," the homeseller said.

On the back loggia the private tranquility of the area along with the cool breezes and warm sun offers a chance to reflect, meditate, prepare for and chill out from the stresses of everyday life.

Also out back at the far end of the yard stands a great tree, with its limbs perfectly placed for climbing, and a playhouse tucked under the leafy branches. "It's fun even for us adults," the homeseller says. "You can lay on the benches and watch the sunset. It's wonderful."

It isn't hard to find your own bit of Frances Mayes' bestselling memoir "Under the Tuscan Sun" pleasure here in the lasting sunlight, rich colors, warm architecture and the joy of slow-paced days. Languishing on the front loggia with the tranquil sounds from the stately fountain — which is the focal piece of the front yard— has its own reward. While the form of Tuscan villas has changed over time and their location moved to suburbs, the core design tenet remains an architectural expression of an idyllic setting for learned pursuits and spiritual withdrawal into a domestic retreat from city life.

That retreat calls. Wait no longer to claim a Tuscany villa of your own. It's as close as the hills of Las Posas Estates in Camarillo.

For more information, Call Fred Evans, Gold Coast Realty at 339-3502 or go to www.fredevans.com for a virtual tour of this phenomenal and very real feeling Tuscan villa. Let it exert its restorative powers and extoll the simple virtues and pleasures of ancient villa life today on Calle Del Norte in Las Posas Estates.

For Sale

$1,485,000

Las Posas Estates Tuscany Villa

775 Calle Del Norte

Fred Evans

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

339-3502, 267-6701

www.fredevans.com

Approx. 3,300 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It features a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances; large master suite with sitting area; 3 fireplaces; Extensive use of tumbled travertine throughout; vaulted ceilings in most rooms; an office or 5th bedroom on a large corner lot approx. 22,686 sq. ft. with fabulous curb appeal; air conditioning/ central heat; laundry room and located on a cul-de-sac.

Image slug kitchen in EDIT:zAdvertorial:Homes & Living:August art:0826 art:cvrcalle delnorte color:kitchen.eps

Cutline

Tuscan interiors feature a rustic sun-baked look with a variety of textures and earth tones which can be found in the kitchen and many rooms of this Las Posas Estate home.