2540 Gilead Ave., Zion, IL 60099

It's like that favorite soft cotton gray t-shirt in your top drawer. You know the one you call "baby gray". A bit threadbare on the left sleeve, a shadow of red wine across the front your nephew shared (he said he tripped, you think he'd just had too much). It's those imperfections that make it so perfect, 'cause it's one of a kind. Same for this smart, comfortable ranch that will fit you, dare I say, better than baby gray? Out front the house has bookend flowering bushes that, when the time is right, burst with pink and white. Small neat evergreens (don't worry, they get bigger quick) skate across the front face. Out back you've got a big yard that is way more private than you'd give it credit for... so you can do what you like and who will know? The big two car garage faces the paved rear alley like a giant shoe box, ready to snuggle your cars like a pair of Air Jordans. Even a patio behind the garage to rest beneath the shade of the big Elm (or Maple or whatever it is). Just a nice scene to take in. But there is a lot waiting inside, so hop in the front door and revel in the entertainment sized living room. Sleek hardwood floor runs continuously down both hall and into the super convenient "round the corner" kitchen. The living room even has a doorbell in case you can't hear the knock five feet away (smart thinking by someone). The kitchen has that same baby gray feeling.... It just looks comfortable and yet it's one of a kind. The brick accent walls were hand applied, one at a time. There are 673 fake bricks (we had nothing better to do than count them, twice), each with a unique story. Ok, we make that up. We have no idea how many bricks there are or what the story is, but count them if you want. The well positioned corner cabinetry has room for what you really need in a kitchen and no room for what you don't need... how perfect. Even the original coke bottle stained glass door inserts remain, allowing you to showcase things you want people to think you have but really aren't sure because the glass is not see through. Keep them guessing. A boatload of room for the dining table that will surely go right in the corner. From the kitchen you can pop on downstairs or get right to work in the bathroom. The bath has two doors to allow guests to race from either the kitchen or the living room to empty bladders. We're not sure how to handle ties, but you can figure that out. The bath is very big with plenty of room to form a line if needed. Sharp, clean fixtures and bright lights make this a nice hall bath compared to others we've seen. Three good sized bedrooms upstairs each feature luxurious carpet (bare feet seem to agree it feels luxurious), making the first floor a complete smash hit. But head downstairs for even more fun... A massive (and we don't use this word lightly) family room that will accommodate everything you can think of (ping pong, archery range, indoor bounce house, turtle farm...). Around the corner a laundry room that will make everyone in the family want to do laundry (we are not saying that is a good idea, just the feeling it relays). And.... a fourth bedroom! My gosh, there's tension in the family right now because everyone will want this bedroom. Huge, comfy, quiet, and even a code required escape window (for those who need to sneak out at night for a Starbucks hit even after you promised the family you'd stop). And.... another full, full, full bathroom. By full we mean a tub, nice white tile, elongated toilet (no aiming at a stupid round bowl) and a big 24" vanity (they look big next to an 18" vanity, trust us). Even a utility room with key features like a furnace (you'll love it in February) and a water heater (you'll love it now). With so much going for this charming home, we don't think it will be here very long. So slide into "baby gray" and get on over to look at this house. It will become your new favorite - allowing you to finally get rid of that stupid stained t-shirt and get something worthwhile.