Even before you enter 811 Crestview Court, you know it's a special place. Look to your left as you stand just outside the door, and you'll see a beautiful mosaic of a flower-filled vase. According to Nan Dillard, who currently owns the home along with her husband Mike, this piece of art was handmade in Lebanon taking the artisan more than 1,200 hours to complete. The mosaic is symbolic of the kind of care and customization that characterize the entire property.

The Dillard's are the home's third owners and have been living here for about the past five years. They are responsible for property's current state, which Nan describes as "a tropical paradise."

The nearly half-acre lot has benefited from extensive, loving landscaping. The front yard is an expanse of lush lawn accented by palm trees and flowers. Nan says that the yard attracts a lot of attention; people sometimes drive by just to have a look at it, and it once earned the honor of "Yard of the Month."

The backyard is perhaps even more impressive. Curving up around the sides of the house, this oasis of greenery is, according to Nan, something of a bird sanctuary; hummingbirds and songbirds flock to it for its shade, flowers and trees. The Dillards have removed what was a vast expanse of ivy and replaced it with flowers and shrubs. According to Realtor Kay Wilson-Bolton, the property's listing agent with Century 21 Buena Vista, each plant was selected and placed specifically, in order to maximize its individual beauty.

The heart of this lovely, tranquil yard is the hot tub, which is placed under a shelter that was designed to match the colors and architecture of the house. Nan says sitting in the tub in the evening feels "like you're in Hawaii."

To one side of the house, just off the kitchen, there is a paved patio. This is a perfect spot to eat lunch in the open air, enjoying the burbling fountain and the borders of flowers. This space also was improved by the Dillards, who added concrete walls and new paving.

The house itself has received similar loving care and is full of upgrades that display a wonderful attention to detail.

The kitchen, for example, was remodeled just about a year ago, a process that involved rearranging the layout of the appliances and adding granite counter tops, glass-fronted cabinets, a pantry for dishes and mission-style plaster work.

Besides the kitchen and dining area, the first floor of this three-level home contains a half-bath, a living room, a formal dining room with a granite-topped fireplace, a sitting room and access to the three-car garage. The walls in the dining and sitting rooms are lined with padded material, which not only looks rich but helps with the acoustics. The windows feature custom treatments.

Up one level are two more bedrooms, one of which currently is being used as an office. The bedrooms are connected to each other through a full bathroom and provide a view of the backyard.

The master suite occupies the top floor, and is comprised of a large bedroom and a bathroom that features a spa tub, a separate shower and a tiled vanity. There also is an enormous walk-in closet with built-in storage. From the bedroom, there is a beautiful view of the Heritage Valley that envelops Santa Paula and the mountains beyond. Nan says that one of her favorite things is to watch the moon coming up over the valley on a clear evening.

Some other upgrades to the property include a security system, an intercom and a drip irrigation system that keeps all the plants green and healthy with an absolute minimum of work. There also are chair lifts on each flight of stairs inside.

Not only is this house a lovingly tended example of pride of ownership, but it also is a private, quiet spot in which to unwind. Located on the opening of a cul-de-sac, 811 Crestview has one neighbor to the side, located further up the hill and separated by a screen of trees. Across the street, the view is unobstructed by houses. Plus, according to Nan, the house always enjoys a nice breeze.

This is a property that needs to be seen to be truly appreciated. At an asking price of $879,000 and with all of its unique features, this home is a bargain and probably won't be on the market long. For more information or to schedule a tour of this tropical paradise perched on the side of a hill, call Wilson-Bolton at 340-5025 to schedule a tour of this tropical paradise perched on the side of a hill.