If location is everything in real estate, then an attractive contemporary home on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of the country's safest cities, is quite a find.

It's perfect for a growing family, as it was for the current owners. Now empty nesters, they are ready to move on to the next chapter in their lives.

Built in 1996, this residence has all the amenities of a new house without the Homeowners Association fees or a mello roos assessment.

Upon entering, you are immediately taken with how spacious and inviting the floor plan's layout is. Vaulted ceilings also give the home an open, airy feel. The foyer opens onto the formal living room. With large picture windows draped with terra cotta satin panels, the room is both gracious and comfortable. It establishes the warm, welcoming feeling that you will find throughout the home.

Walking through you sense how nicely the rooms flow together. making the place ideal for entertaining or large family gatherings.

With four bedrooms and three full baths there is more than enough room for the average family to keep the downstairs bedroom as an office, as the current owners have, although it easily converts to a guest room or bedroom for an older child.

Down a short hall, tiled with Italian porcelain in a muted tone, is the downstairs bathroom, complete with shower. All of the bathrooms incorporate the same tile which adds an element of continuity throughout the home as does the neutral carpeting. Next to the bath is the laundry room, which has both gas and electrical hook-ups.

When you enter the family room, the focal point is the used brick fireplace, both wood- and gas-burning. The room is a comfortable spot to curl up with a good book or to watch what is being prepped for dinner in the kitchen to the left.

The large "cook's kitchen" is one reason the current owners bought the home. Both love to cook and there is ample counter space to prepare meals and an abundance of cabinets to store all kinds of gourmet gadgets. The large preparation island is a natural gathering place for family and friends. The granite countertops, in a golden oak color, are a beautiful accent to the hardwood flooring. Fresh-looking white appliances complment the oak cabinets and include a double oven, GE range and a trash compactor. Furthermore, the eat-in kitchen has glass doors opening to the back patio, a delightful spot to sip your morning coffee.

The formal dining room is to the left. A large picture window looks out onto the lush backyard. With so many windows the owners were conscious of planting shrubs and trees that stay green all year long.

A lovely white and natural wood staircase leads to the second story. At the top is an alcove, which would make a perfect play area for younger children, a study area for teenagers, or a hobby or craft area. The large master bedroom has a spa-like bathroom with separate tub and shower, a vanity with dual sinks and a spacious walk-in closet. The sage-colored walls in the master suite are a nice contrast to its white-accented bathroom.

The two additional bedrooms are the same size — spacious — with mirrored closet doors and a niche large enough to accommodate a full desk. All the bedrooms except the master have ceiling fans. A newly upgraded bathroom, with glass tub enclosure, is located between the two bedrooms.

All the windows in the home are dual-paned and are outfitted with wooden blinds, with the exception of the living room, which has douette blinds. The incandescent bulbs in the recessed lighting throughout the home have been replaced with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

When the owners first purchased the new home, they spared no expense in upgrades, adding custom touches not usually found in a home of this size. For example, the upgraded heating and air conditioning system is zoned, something you don't normally find in a home this size. There are two thermostats, one upstairs and one down, connected to a central computer that maintains an even temperature to keep the home comfortable year-round; the system determines which areas of the home need to be heated or cooled.

Additional electrical outlets were installed throughout the house and in the garage, providing multiple areas to connect all kinds of electronic equipment. Complete network wiring was installed to accommodate computers in several rooms, along with additional cable jacks in each of the bedrooms, the office, family room, the upstairs alcove and the dining room.

The lush backyard is complete with a large covered patio and spa. The spa is a perfect setting to enjoy the yard's mature landscaping. Included in the price, the spa uses an ultra-violet cleaning system, so no chemicals are needed.

An added bonus is the custom RV parking on the side of the house, gated from the front and paved with reinforced concrete. If you don't own an RV, the area would be ideal for a sports court or to store whatever "toys" you do have.

The three-car garage is oversized with plenty of built-in storage space and a work bench — a handyman's dream. The sizable driveway will accommodate even the largest SUV.

Offered at $779,000, this immaculate, approximately 2,311 square-foot home is one you don't want to miss. It is part of the Simi Valley Unified School District and close to parks and shopping.

For more information about this desirable property for sale, call Rodeo Realty listing agents Eileen Richardson at 551-5809 or Laurie Allen at 217-4292.

EDIT:zAdvertorial:Star Homes:November:1125:SVMcvrsiermadre:SVMcvSMlvrm.eps

Taller than usual windows and ceilings make a dramatic visual statement in the comfortable living room, which also features douette blinds.

FOR SALE

$779,000

3877 Sierra Madre,

Simi Valley

Eileen Richardson, 551-5809 Laurie Allen, 217-4292

Rodeo Realty

EDIT:zAdvertorial:Star Homes:November:1125:SVMcvrsiermadre:SVMcvSMlvrm.eps

This immaculate, 2,311 square-foot home with a lush backyard, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, cook's kitchen, family room with fireplace, living room, dining room, vaulted ceilings is one you don't want to miss. It is part of the Simi Valley Unified School District and is located close to parks and shopping.