The Door Is Always Open

6961 Sugar Lemon Lane looks like any other house on the street. Two stories, attached garage, small yard in the front with some flowers, a little swimming pool in the back behind the patio. It's a plain house, brown-painted wood with white trim, well maintained, clean and quiet, and completely inconspicuous.

The driveway is rather long, as the house is set back a hundred feet or so from the street. It's also a wide driveway, wider than the two-car garage at the end. This is helpful, since there are often many cars parked there. Although many of the houses on Sugar Lemon Lane are considered large one-family homes, the residents of 6961 Sugar Lemon Lane are a different kind of family. But more on that later.

A basic stone walkway connects part of the driveway to the front door via a small porch with two steps. On the porch is a chintzy decorative elephant made of bronze, a potted plant that sprouts colorful flowers in the summer, and a floor mat that reads "Leave Your Troubles Outside." There is a brass knocker on the door in the shape of a cat holding a mouse by the tail.

As one steps into the house, the first floor is a wide open space. It's like a foyer, but enormous. There is a staircase on the right, and at the top of the stairs, a balcony looks over the foyer. On the left, just inside, is a door behind which is another flight of stairs, this time going down to the basement.

Further inside, part of the open expanse has been dedicated as a social space. There are several sofas, a bean bag chair, two recliners, all surrounding a thick shag area rug. There's a fireplace in one wall, and a large television set on the adjacent wall. There's a sound system here as well, with unobtrusive speakers mounted in the corners at the ceiling.

Through the social space is a half wall the offers mild separation from the kitchen, which spans most of the back of the house. This kitchen is quite large and well equipped. Tile floors, granite counters, an island in the center with barstool seating, modern appliances (including a large French door refrigerator). There's also a dining nook in one corner with a table and benches, enough to seat six.

Off the foyer, to the left, there's a hallway that leads to four smaller rooms -- a simple bathroom with a shower stall, a storage closet, a guest bedroom, and a laundry room. The laundry room is large enough to house a washer and dryer as well as decent shelving and a table for folding clothes. The guest bedroom is plain, with a queen bed, a dresser, and a small desk.