Streetside, the home is a one-level cottage on Rim's edge. Inside, the entry-level main floor -- the couple's prime living area -- sits atop a walkout lower level hidden from the street. Throughout, simplicity is key.

Immediately inviting, the roomy front foyer introduces a cross-shaped floor plan, opening to the main living area in front (east), and to a north-south main hall on both sides. To the north (left), the wide hall doubles as a 2500-book library, with built-in shelving. This branch ends at the master bath and bedroom suite (with large walk-in closet), with a guest bath and laundry room off the corridor enroute. The south (right) hall doubles as a kitchen work area, sided with built-in storage, a double built-in oven, and counters. The far end opens to a sunny sink and range area and breakfast nook.

Vaulted ceilings and windows on three sides set an open mood in the 18-foot x 20-foot living room. Built-in window benches grace the Rimside corners, perfect for reading or star gazing. Here, and in the adjoining dining room, which adjoins the kitchen, the treed view dominates, while one room flows into another. The couple entertains here often, stepping outside in summer to converse and relax on a wrap-around, railed deck.

Total house size is 3,650 square feet: 1,850 square feet up and 1,800 square feet down (including the garage and mechanical/storage room). Downstairs living space is 900 square feet.

Down stairs off the entry foyer, the lower level has two bedrooms, a full bath, sauna, wine cellar, family/media room, mechanical/storage room, and 2-1/2-stall garage. A walkout patio off the family room is connected by stairs to the main-floor deck. Visiting children and grandchildren and other guests find comfort and privacy here.