Rolling Valley rambler perfect for family

In 1966, builder Robert Cary, one of the principal developers of West Springfield, designed a home for his family in the Rolling Valley community off Rolling Road, including a bedroom for each of his four children.

The next family to own this rambler-style home also has two boys and two girls, a perfect fit for this warm home, which includes plenty of space for family life in spite of its deceptively small appearance.

Now on the market for $779,900, the home at 6517 Greenview Lane in Springfield is encircled by gardens and terraces created by the owner. The neat brick home includes white trim and a front porch, with brick walkways and flagstone terraces and steps perfect for admiring the perennial plantings, which include more than 10 varieties of hydrangeas.

In addition to the garden beds and lawn, the back yard includes a heated in-ground swimming pool with a diving board. Lilies bloom near the pool in June and July, spreading their scent across the water for an added touch of relaxation.

The front porch provides a welcome spot for greeting guests and chatting with neighbors on this quiet street just minutes from Rolling Road and Old Keene Mill Road. While Hidden Pond Nature Center, Pohick Creek Park and the Rolling Valley Elementary School are all within walking distance, commuters also will find they have a quick trip into the District.

The front door opens from the front porch into a foyer with a domed ceiling, a large closet and a staircase to the lower level. Straight ahead is the gracious living room, which has two sliding glass doors leading to the sunroom, a brick fireplace and built-in bookcases.

Like the rest of the main level, this room has hardwood flooring. The owners have been using the living room as a combined living area and music room, and a grand piano occupies one corner.

The owners have held many piano recitals and receptions by opening the sliding glass doors and accommodating guests in both the living room and the sunroom.

The sunroom has windows on three sides overlooking the backyard gardens, the swimming pool and the West Springfield Country Club golf course. The unheated sunroom has a flagstone terrace underfoot, although the owners added a carpet for extra warmth in cold weather. The sunroom can be used in three seasons.

Next to the living room is the formal dining room, which includes a built-in china cabinet and a deep bay window framing a view of the swimming pool. The dining room has chair-rail moldings and a chandelier. Other rooms on the main level also include chair-rail or crown moldings.

Adjacent to the dining room and in the front of the home is the custom kitchen, which has been renovated and sports abundant maple cabinets, some open, some with maple doors and some with glass doors.

Extra-tall cabinets hold the leaves for the dining table while other tall cabinets have been designed for cookie sheets. A pull-out cutting board has been added below the microwave, a cabinet door conceals the trash area, and a cleaning closet has been built behind the door for easy access.

The kitchen includes two double windows and a sliding glass door to a flagstone terrace at the side of the home for enjoying barbecues and outdoor dining. A gate in the fence links the swimming pool terrace to this patio.

Across the foyer from the kitchen, double shutter doors open onto the bedroom wing, which includes a large linen closet in the hall. The master bedroom has a deep walk-in closet and a private full bath with a charming floral porcelain sink that matches the wall tiles.

The master bath also includes a linen closet and a tile shower with a glass door.

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