Near the top of a hill above the Saticoy Country Club Golf Course, 4655 Clubhouse Drive offers breathtaking views, a quiet neighborhood and modern sensibilities in a modest package.

The long, low ranch-style home is attractive yet unpretentious, nestled behind a large front lawn that is made more private by bushes and shrubs. According to owner/Realtor Liz Donnelly, this house was the first one built in this development; in 1968, the home stood alone on the side of the hill.

There are more houses in the Fairway Hills neighborhood now, but this gated community of narrow, tree-lined streets is quiet and serene. According to Donnelly, 4655 Clubhouse stands on a half-acre lot. Plus, it's just steps away from the golf course clubhouse.

Standing in the expansive backyard or seated in the informal family room, you are treated to a beautiful, sweeping view; beyond the property's small, sloping grove of avocado trees, you have a clear view of the golf course's 12th and 13th holes. Beyond, the vista stretches out over the Oxnard Plain and, on clear days, all the way to the Channel Islands. Nearby hills off to one side offer a feeling of enclosure and security.

The backyard also features a small vegetable garden; orange, lemon, lime and peach trees; and a swath of green lawn that stretches the entire width of the house. It's a secure place for kids and dogs to explore and play and a perfect spot for garden parties, barbecues and private relaxation.

Donnelly says that she and her family have extensively updated the interior, giving it a thoroughly fresh and modern look. Bright, cheery paint accents the walls, the floors are new and the kitchen is a home chef's dream.

The floors are made of beautiful, dark Merbau laminate. Bold use of color on the walls increases the home's sense of modernity, openness and airiness; the family room, for example, is a relaxing shade of blue, the kitchen is apple green and the half-bathroom is matte black.

In the kitchen, enthusiastic cooks will delight in the modern appliances. There is a 72-inch-wide refrigerator/freezer, a wine refrigerator, another beverage refrigerator and a Wolf range with a double oven. All are in matching stainless steel. There also is a center island with a stainless steel sink. All counters are beautifully topped with slabs of light green, highly figured granite.The green-and-gold tile backsplash adds a further touch of character and color. There is a casual dining area here as well, with a view of the yard. The floors are lovely, pale travertine tile. Donnelly, an avid cook herself, says that she had the kitchen expanded beyond it original dimensions by building it out into the backyard.

This home benefits from an open floor plan; the entryway flows directly into the family room on one side and the formal living and dining areas on the other. The family room features a high, peaked ceiling with exposed beams and looks directly onto the backyard and the golf course through wall-sized windows. It also has a large fireplace.

There is a small guest bathroom, as well as two more full bathrooms; one in the master suite and another that is shared by the two smaller bedrooms. The master suite features a walk-in closet, a long vanity with his-and-her sinks and a fireplace. It is situated in a quiet, shady corner of the house, a perfect place for getting cozy.

Located just up the hallway from the master suite are two smaller bedrooms, perfect for kids.

There also is a laundry area behind folding doors, and lots of cabinet space in the hallway.

On the other end of the house is a two-door garage that opens onto a sweeping driveway.

Whether you're dedicated a golfer looking for a place to retire or a parent seeking a perfect spot to raise a family, this Somis home has much to offer. Privacy, modernity and a spectacular view await you here.

Donnelly will be hosting an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. today. To schedule a private viewing and for other information call Donnelly at 794-6005 or Fred Evans of RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors, the listing agent, at 339-3502. Y

For Sale

4655 Clubhouse Drive

$1,195,000

Open today 1 to 3 p.m.

Liz Donnelly,

794-6005

Fred Evans,

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

339-3502