Big Sky. The name evokes images of open space and blue skies.

Hidden from the freeway, Big Sky is an enclave of stylish homes set amid the rolling hills of Simi Valley. After exiting Highway 118 at Erringer, and heading north, the traffic noise subsides and the mountains beckon in the distance. The area is comprised of several neighborhoods, with both large estate homes and smaller single-family residences.

A beautiful home in a tranquil setting of the Windstone neighborhood, this two-story Mission-style home is an incredible find. The exterior is beige stucco with a contrasting tile roof. Wrought iron accents the occasional window and the second-story balcony. A green awning over the balcony adds a tasteful touch of color as does the dark brown of the entrance door.

A first glimpse into the home's stylish interior is the circular entry floor inlaid with a marble design in gold, cream and black hues.

This smaller entry opens to a spacious foyer graced with a baby grand piano, giving the home an elegant appeal.

Right off the foyer is the formal living room. The fireplace, the room's focal point, has a carved concrete mantelpiece adding a dramatic flair. With the flick of a wall switch the fireplace is lit (just one of the many added amenities this home has to offer). Attractive travertine flooring is throughout the entry; in the living room it is inset with a cut patterned carpet in a muted tone, providing a comfortable yet sophisticated appearance. Visible from the living room through an open half-wall is the formal dining room.

Over the dining table hangs a wrought- iron chandelier surrounded on the ceiling by decorative custom molding. The room is a perfect backdrop for an elegant dinner party or a festive family gathering. Across from the dining room and adjacent to the kitchen, is the built-in wine bar. Glass-fronted cabinets can house your finest crystal, while a built-in refrigerator under the counter keeps your favorite wines or bubbly chilled.

The flow of the home makes it ideal for entertaining, but if everyone ends up in the kitchen don't be surprised — it is spectacular. Dark cherry cabinets line the walls, and granite countertops with hues of black, cream and brown are the perfect accent. The mosaic backsplash in a beige tone ties it all together. Dark, hickory hardwood floors lend a touch of warmth to both the kitchen and adjacent family room.

The centerpiece of the kitchen is the large island. Complete with six-burner Thermidor gas range and a stainless steel commercial vent, it would be the envy of the most discerning chef. Truly a cook's kitchen, it has a double convection oven, built in microwave, warming tray and Sub-Zero refrigerator that line one wall. Interspersed with an abundance of cabinet space, all the appliances are stainless steel, Thermidor, with the exception of the Bosch dishwasher.

An eat-in nook at the far end of the kitchen is surrounded by windows and has French doors leading to the backyard. More cabinets and a counter line the back wall. Behind the nook, across from the large, glass door enclosed pantry is an additional room, perfect for a kitchen office or craft room. Beyond that is a large laundry room.

Off the kitchen is the family room, featuring the home's second fireplace. The niche next to it is the perfect spot to display a flat-screen television. The owner has installed a Bose surround sound audio system. The speaker system, expertly placed by Bose specialists, provides excellent acoustics.

Completing the downstairs is a guest bedroom with full bath, currently used as an office. A powder room with mosaic tile floor and pedestal sink and two coat closets are adjacent to the spiral staircase.

With five bedrooms and five and one-half baths, the home is just under 4,400 square feet.

Recessed lighting has been installed throughout, and every one of the home's 51 windows has been custom-fitted with plantation shutters. The French doors also are shuttered and include custom cut-outs for the door handles.

The owner spared no expense in upgrading the residence's interior and exterior — more than $250,000 worth — from detail work such as crown molding and baseboards to custom fixtures and flooring in all the bathrooms. Furthermore, the home features a dual-zoned heating and air conditioning system, plus wiring for Internet and cable in all the bedrooms and loft.

Custom wrought iron was added to the spiral staircase. A loft area at the top of the stairs has a built-in desk and linen cabinets built of the same dark cherry wood as the kitchen. The four upstairs bedrooms are spacious and include large closets. Each has its own private bath.

In the master bedroom a, comfortable sitting room divides the bed and bath. Two mirrored walk-in closets provide an abundance of storage space.

The luxurious master bath has a jetted tub, separate shower and double sinks all surrounded by elegant brown hued marble.

The home sits on an expansive 10,000 square-foot lot, with an exterior as fabulous as the interior. The yard's focal point is a free-form pool and attached spa. Its feaures, from temperature to lights, are controlled by remote control. Surrounded by flagstone in earth tones and a stamped concrete patio, the yard is ideal for entertaining. Its stamped concrete extends around one side of the home, perfect for a sport court or storing toys. The other side of the yard is a grassy area. A gas, island barbecue and fire pit complete the yard. Lushly landscaped, the yard is notably private with no houses behind it to impede wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Two garages, a double and a single with separate entrances, complete the home's exterior.

Built in 2006 by Shea Homes, the residence is in immaculate, turn-key condition. As a bonus, the area is served by the Simi Valley Unified School District and is just minutes from the new Simi Valley Town Center, an ideal location.

The home is being offered by Marc Smith of Prudential California Realty's Fine Homes Division. Listed at $1,359.000, it is at 4039 Eagle Flight, Simi Valley.

For more information, call Smith at 446-8608 or 630-8608.

EDIT:zAdvertorial:Star Homes:January:0120:SVMcvrbigsky:jpexterior.eps

Julie Phillips / Special to The Star

Boasting equally impressive exterior and interior settings, this Windstone residence, above, was built in 2006 and has many upgrades. Highlighting its handsome kitchen, left, is an island with six-burner gas range and a stainless steel commerical vent.