The present owners knew what they wanted when they made this Rochester model their home. They wanted a "wow" factor for their home and an entrance that said, 'Welcome!'" And, "Wow" is what they got when they upgraded the exterior and interior of this house after their purchase. When you walk up through the low, gracefully curved wall that surrounds the paved stone courtyard entrance, you will feel like you're entering a cozy hacienda. The stone pavers placed strategically into the stucco wall give the impression of an ancient wall in Mexico or Spain .

Through the impressive doorway into the entrance hall, an exquisite mosaic in a sinuous grapevine design has been installed in the center of the marble tiled floor, which shouts a welcome to all who enter. Further adding to this glamorous effect is the recessed ceiling, which has been painted in a "crackle" effect with Ralph Lauren paints in a rich, deep red. The owners used Ralph Lauren paints all throughout this palatial home in soft, neutral shades of beiges, browns and golds, with touches of red for added pizzazz.

The spacious kitchen was one of the main features, among many, that drew the owners to this home. There's plenty of room in this sizeable kitchen for a large table and chairs for casual family dining, plus a two-stool seating area at the preparation island and a long counter-top bar separating the kitchen from the family room. The owner, a lover of rich detail, installed a special mosaic tile design as a border around the island, echoing the mosaic floor in the entrance. The warm dark cherry wood of the cabinets contrasts beautifully with the cool stainless exteriors of the appliances. The ample counter space is topped with luxurious grey-brown granite and some of the cabinets even have glass doors to display beautiful china and objects. Ceramic tile in neutral beige tones covers the floor from kitchen to family room, and deep crown molding accentuates the high ceilings and expansiveness of the area. The family room has a cozy fireplace and an entertainment center nook. Elegant French doors open from the family room onto the outside patio.

The huge master bedroom has French doors that open onto the patio outside and equally huge his n' her walk-in closets. The master bath is luxurious in every detail. The cabinets are made of the same dark cherry wood as the kitchen cabinets and marble tile covers the counter space and floors. The large shower stall is enclosed by a circular glass-block wall - an elegant look and no shower curtain needed here! Altogether, there are four other bedrooms and three and a half baths besides the master bedroom and bath, and each of them feature the lovely dark wood cabinets and luxurious marble tile. Three of the bedrooms have separate sink areas that can be closed off for privacy, but that are a big help on those hectic "get to work and school" mornings.

The owners also value this house for its efficient traffic flow - perfect for entertaining guests and getting the kids ready for school. They also upgraded many of the materials and features in the house to enhance the "resort living" ambiance they were looking for. Most of all though, they wanted their home to be a place of welcoming comfort - not only for their guests - but also for their family. This gracious and elegant home offers just that - and more. The listing price of this 4,344 square-foot home of five bedrooms and four and a half baths is $1,175,000.

This home was brought to you by Linda Rehwalt of RE/MAX Integrity Realtors. At press time, we learned that this home was put under contract after only eleven days on the market and is no longer available! This shows just how healthy the real estate market in Anthem still is, despite media reports to the contrary. From low-end to high-end homes, there is a home for every type of buyer who wants to move to this fabulous family community. For more information on this home and others, please contact Linda at 623-362-3042 or at lindarehwalt@azrealty.com. RE/MAX Integrity Realtors is located at 3701 W Anthem Way, Suite 124, Anthem, AZ 85086.