An immaculately kept front yard with a vibrant green lawn and strategically-placed plants catches the eye as a visitor enters the gated enclosure in front of the home at 3928 E. Bayside Street in Simi Valley. But it is what's within the confines of the wrought iron gate and its arched entry that is truly remarkable.

Set on a quiet street in a desirable neighborhood, the home boasts an inner Mediterranean-style courtyard with neatly trimmed foliage within a low block planter, rustic brick patio and a stunning lions' head fountain.

"The courtyard is one of my favorite features of this house," said listing agent Rosie Garvin of Troop Real Estate, Wood Ranch. "It's so serene and quiet — the perfect place to sit and have a cup of coffee and read a book."

Upon entering the home, one is immediately taken by the expanse of the spacious living room, with warm Spanish-tile floors, coordinating window treatments and inviting brick fireplace. To the right of the living room is a surprise — a staircase. From the street, the home does not look like a two-story, yet it is — and it's a fabulous find for the lucky homeowner who is looking for a place with not one, but two master bedrooms to accommodate an extended family.

Up the carpeted staircase, there's not only a bedroom with a large amount of closet space, but also a full bathroom. In addition, there's a large and comfortable bonus room, which can be used as a family room, office, playroom or other space for the home's occupants.

"This area is another great thing about this house," Garvin said. "Buyers will love the idea of having all this extra space."

This upstairs suite of rooms is perfect for a couple, as a teen retreat or as mother-in-law quarters. The tile-look floor is actually easy-to-clean linoleum; the walls are textured and painted a neutral tan; and the angled upper story of the house gives the ceiling dimension and architectural interest.

Back downstairs, the living room has a pass-through to the kitchen. There's a low, charming wrought-iron gate that was put in place by the home's current owners, who have small dogs; a convenient way to keep them in one room or the other.

The kitchen itself has a great deal of cabinet space, a center island and a dining area that looks out onto the backyard. There are also large windows and a sliding door to the patio, which allow for the maximum natural light.

Down the hall, the textured walls of the bathroom have been freshly painted, and there's a new shower door of rain glass. There are two carpeted bedrooms, a linen closet painted in contrasting neutrals, a master bedroom with terracotta-colored walls and a three-quarter bathroom with a rain glass shower door and a new light fixture.

The home's backyard truly is a showplace, with special care taken to create an outside with ambiance and, like the front yard, an air of tranquility.

The covered patio is a great spot to enjoy the many plants and trees that have been meticulously cared for by the current owner.

"They take such pride in the beauty of the backyard," Garvin said.

There are rose bushes and a lemon tree, plus other mature plants and the yard's centerpiece: a large green shade tree with unusual, shell-like bark. The homeowner has accented the area with flagstone walkways, a working fountain and the clever use of bricks to highlight the array of plants.

There's also a side yard suitable for storage, another side yard that's wide enough to be used as a dog run, and a built-in, chain link kennel for the family canines.

Other amenities include central heating and air conditioning, a newer roof, new water heater and under-the-stairs storage space.

Priced at a newly reduced $499,950, buyers interested in the home at 3928 E. Bayside Street in Simi Valley can take a tour at the open house scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. today. For a private tour or more information, call Garvin at 338-5288.

FOR SALE

3928 E. Bayside Street, Simi Valley

Newly reduced: $499,950

Rosie Garvin

Troop Real Estate Wood Ranch

338-5288

http://www.3928bayside.com