On the Market: Hillside ranch in Palatine

Set back among big old trees is a custom, contemporary-style hillside ranch home with a walkout lower level in the Forest Estates subdivision of unincorporated Palatine.

Built in 1975, this stone and cedar home was designed by an interior designer, so it lives well and offers an abundance of space.

Those seeking a first-floor master suite will be thrilled with this arrangement that features three bedrooms (including a roomy master suite) on the main level, along with the kitchen, living room, dining room, foyer, two baths and a laundry room.

The lower level has three more rooms that can all be used as bedrooms, a full bath, family room, recreation room and an eating area.

All accessories, from the Pella windows and Hunter Douglas blinds to the two fireplaces, wet bar, vaulted ceilings, patio, paver brick driveway and mahogany front door, are first class.

Listing agent Kathy Muno of Prudential American Heritage offers more details:

What’s the hidden gem in this house? #147;As you walk into this understated home, the view through the vaulted ceiling living room is just breathtaking, showing the beautiful .7-acre lot.#148;What would your perfect buyer look like? #147;Someone who is friendly, loves entertaining and loves the beauty of nature. Someone who likes a well-built and thought-out, but unique home.#148;What surprises you about this house?#147;The space on the first floor is amazing, but the amount of space the lower level adds #8212; 2,200 square feet #8212; without ever feeling like a basement is awesome. The lower level includes a guest suite, plus four other very large rooms, and each one features regular-sized windows.#148;If this house were featured on TV show, which one would it be?#147;#145;Great Design.#146; Designed by the interior designer owner, the home flowers beautifully. Most homes have a problem of where to place beds. But, not this one. This designer planned for furniture, making sure every bedroom has a solid wall for a bed.#148;What#146;s the coolest thing about living in this neighborhood?#147;The wooded beauty of this secluded neighborhood that few even know exists, combined with the convenience of the suburbs, are the coolest things about this neighborhood.#148;What#146;s one adjective you#146;d use to describe the house?#147;Surprisingly awesome.#148;Name three plants, flowers or trees in the yard #147;Giant variegated hostas, a variety of perennials and great old trees.#148; 33592522The vaulted-ceiling living room offers great views of the outdoors. 34572593From the lower level, homeowners can walk out to the wooded lot. On the MarketAddress: 1564 California Ave., PalatineAsking price: $589,900Square footage: 4,400-plusBedrooms/baths: 4-plus bedrooms and 3 full bathsYear built: 1975Listing agent: Kathy Muno, Prudential American HeritageCall: (847) 791-7741Email: kathleenmuno@gmail.com