Kitchen and family rooms form heart of Fairfax Station home

An informal, open rear living area, with the modern kitchen facing the traditional mantel in the family room is favorite place in many fine homes. It is sure to be even more welcoming in the winter, when the flames are dancing in the fireplace.

In this charming craftsman-style house, the stone front porch leads to the tiled entrance hall. It overlooks the two-story family room, with its hardwood floors, molded fireplace and arched Palladian window above a glass door leading to the patio.

The adjoining breakfast nook and kitchen face the fireplace, in line with the modern fashion. The breakfast nook leads to the powder room, while the kitchen displays stainless-steel appliances, granite counters and a smaller arched Palladian window over the sink.

Following another popular trend, this informal contemporary rear area contrasts with the formal colonial front rooms. Pillars frame the carpeted living and dining rooms on either side of the entrance hall. Both the living and dining areas feature crown molding, while the living room provides a side bay window and the dining room displays elaborate wainscoting.

Behind the living room, the den includes another side bay window, plus crown molding and full-length arched bookshelves. The stairway is located between these two rooms. The second-story hallway overlooks the foyer. In the rear master suite, the bedroom features elaborate Corinthian pillars framing the bed and a bay window next to the sitting area. The bedroom adjoins two walk-in closets as well as the luxury bath, which boasts an oval hot tub with a tile surround, a dual sink, and a separately enclosed shower and commode.

The additional front and rear bedrooms have their own private baths, while two other front bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath between them. Another suite appears in the lower level. The carpeted recreation area also features a fireplace, a wooden wet bar, and a kitchenette that includes a sink with counters, a refrigerator and a microwave. This level also provides a separate storage area and fitness or media room, plus an exit leading outside.

From the rear patio, a walkway leads to the side-loading two-car garage, which adjoins the laundry area located off the kitchen. A Giant supermarket and pharmacy is three miles away in the Huntsman Square shopping center. The public schools are Silverbrook Elementary and South County Secondary.