"There is nothing else like this in Camarillo" said Realtor Jim Picola, speaking about the Tuscan-inspired house he and wife Jacqueline are showing today. The house is one of the first resale homes in this planned community, where the old saying "Home, sweet home" doesn't sound so, well old.

Fortunately, you need not board a jet to reach the often-romanticized Italian region of Tuscany to view the two-year-old home, either. The comfortable yet elegant architecture of the Italian region is reflected in the home: a rich taupe stucco, stone- and timber-trimmed two-story dwelling pleasingly landscaped, accentuated by potted cypresses that flank a tandem garage.

Come see it for yourself at the open house today from noon to 4 p.m. at 3614 Bridgehampton Way. Take the Santa Rosa exit south from Highway 101. Once it merges into Pleasant Valley Road, continue to Bridgehampton Way and into the Cedar Creek division of the Village.

Picola says the master-planned community, in essence, is a park. "You don't have to worry about a yard here," he said.

Though eucalyptus trees rather than cypresses dot the landscape that extends beyond this HOA community, an Old-World serenity establishes this family-oriented location of wide streets, central playgrounds and pools, along with quaint Italian-, Spanish- and English-inspired homes.

Graced with an inviting stone porch, big enough to accommodate a small grouping of wee ones, perhaps — meanwhile, just perfect for two — the property's exterior is tailored by a driveway of stamped concrete in shades of copper and taupe from which extends adjoining pathways that lead along the sides of the house to a rear patio.

The details underfoot here — from the pressed concrete driveway, pathways, front walkway and porch, all converge to make a visual impact that underscores the balanced structural composition.

At once intimate and spacious, the interior opens from an impressive front door given a rustic look by its dark brown stain and oversized, hammered studs. Step inside into the deep tile entry, lit above by a delicate ceiling chandelier of antiqued metal and crystal. To the left, raw silk drapes shade the vertical living room windows with elegance. Their claret-red color warms the crème-colored walls of the adequate space to an even richer, buttery yellow.

Porch-facing windows allow for the flow of cool, offshore breezes into this front room and further down through the entryway, where floor tile turns into bronze-colored, well-maintained carpet. The sheen of its short pile still reflects light throughout the home, as abundant as the white, wide-louvered plantation shutters that cover them.

Distinctive features are found in the dining room, as well. A marbled-glass-and-bronze Neoclassical drop-style lamp hangs low from the center. But what makes entertaining in this home a true Southern California-style affair is its capacity for simultaneous interior and exterior entertaining.

From the dining area, French doors of transparent glass framed in wide, white trim open from the entry hall to an outdoor piazza, or patio, replete with a Romanesque wall fountain. The garden wall ensures privacy around the perimeter of the lot.

Both fountain and the classical-style fireplace in the great room are turned on and off with the flick of a switch. And from the adjacent kitchen, the warmth of firelight meshes with outdoor light as sets of windows allow streaming light in, while French doors open out to the private rear yard and patio.

Light floods into the U-shaped kitchen from plentiful recessed lighting, as well, adding sheen to the dark green, black and salmon-pink-infused granite surface emulated outdoors at a bar and chef's area. The cozy outdoor area, great for summer gatherings, boasts a beverage refrigerator, stovetop burner and a stainless steel, built-in bullet barbeque grill.

Appliances in the all-gas kitchen, anchored by ample dark cherry wood cabinetry, are Whirlpool Gold brand, including a double oven, six-burner flat stove and stainless steel dual-door refrigerator. Doubling as a prep and eating area, the granite island comfortably seats four.

An alcove just beyond the kitchen reveals a room that could serve as an office or maid's quarters, given the full bath just a foot from the door. Another door leads out to the garage, where a walk-in closet serves as storage; meanwhile, the extra parking space could double as a play area.

Fixtures and hardware throughout the house feature burnished silver or chrome, are very clean and fuse well with the impeccably white, glossy porcelain tile in all bathrooms, including the master en-suite bath. Sink into the deep, queen-style tub for a respite from a harried day, or step into the dual-headed, walk-in shower. Cherry cabinets accent the his-and-hers sinks; and his-and-hers closets are well appointed.

The upstairs floor plan includes a laundry room and loft (ideal as a reading or game room), and three bedrooms. A Juliet balcony window adds charm to the street-facing bedroom, inclusive of sliding closet doors. South-facing bedrooms, including the master, open to expansive views of the surrounding mountains and landscape.

Old-World charm is given a contemporary twist in this community where kids can walk to what literally is a neighborhood school, where marketing is done just around the corner, and where the YMCA, swimming pools, a recreation center and an up-and-coming 55-acre park are all mere yards from your doorstep.

Village at the Park offers all this, but, more importantly, it offers peace of mind.

"I like the serenity here," Picola said.

FOR SALE

$849,000

3614 Bridgehampton Way, Village at the Park in Camarillo

Open today, noon to 4 p.m.

Jim and Jackie Picola (The Picola Team)

Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties

40786

www.ThePicolaTeam.com

The PicolaTeam@aol.com

Two-story Tuscan-style home in planned community

About 3,219 square feet

Two-car tandem garage

Flagstone and stucco front

Custom landscaping

En-suite master bath

Stamped concrete driveway and patio

Five bedrooms including loft, maid's quarters/office

Rear built-in barbecue with granite bar

Plantation shutters

Fireplace

Laundry room

Mountain views

Granite counters in stainless kitchen with island

Formal dining and living room

Fountain courtyard