Spectacular Estate on 80 acres in Caledonia

Driving through the countryside en route to this week's feature home, the hustle and bustle of every day life disappears in the rearview mirror along with the last of the stoplights. One begins to realize there are still some places in this world where corn grows in uninterrupted swaths over rolling hills and secluded means more than a row of mature trees between houses.

Located on Grade School Road in the town of Caledonia, a million-dollar beauty awaits the buyer who wants to get away from it all. The perfect retreat for a large family, or for corporate outings, this five bedroom, five-and-a-half bath estate offers a fully-stocked pond, 80 acres on which to ride horses or all-terrain vehicles, and an airstrip with a heated hangar for your private plane.

The home offers a lovely wrap-around porch supported by nearly a dozen Italianate columns and allows access to three sets of French doors to the den, the living room and the dining room.

Enter through the main doors and let the dramatic foyer and sweeping staircase take your breath away.

The living room features furniture-quality built-in cabinetry for the television and other accessories. The marble fireplace is flanked by arched doorways that lead to the sunroom with its ceramic flooring, Cathedral ceiling, French-door access to the two decks and the stone patio. The sunroom also features a tile-surround fireplace with an antique columned mantel that adds to the ambience of this four-season room.

The kitchen in this fine home is of professional grade with Viking appliances featuring a stainless steel subzero freezer and refrigerator, a six-burner gas stove with double griddle, a convection oven and an infra-ray broiler for fast, efficient cooking. Off the kitchen are a room-sized pantry with floor-to-ceiling shelving and a large eating area.

The first floor master suite features French doors that open to a private deck and a second set of antique French doors that reveal a private sitting room with Palladian windows overlooking the stocked pond. Minimal window treatments are necessary in this secluded location and allow for maximum viewing of the idyllic grounds. Upstairs, each fabulous bedroom offers its own private bath.

The fully-finished basement offers a large exercise room with rubber-matted flooring, a carpeted recreation area and a tiered bar and kitchenette. Another large bedroom and a full bath can be found on this level. Finally, a spacious studio apartment is located above the three-car garage. This lovely space is equipped with a large bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen and a separate zoned heating system.

For more information about this unique peoperty, or to arrange a private showing, contact Realtor Beth Turek with Century 21 Country North at (815) 289-8729, or check out the listing on her Web site www.sheselz.com.