Bunches and bunches of roses in brilliant hues and subdued pastels decorate the front garden of this immaculate South Salinas home. The silence of the older established neighborhood probably gives them the peace to bloom as they choose. But beyond the volumes they whisper in and of themselves, they’re more a visual tease to what lies just beyond in the perfectly manicured home.

Stained glass panels flank the stark white front door. Once it closes, it’s oodles of warmth and hominess. Oak-colored wood plank floors direct visitors inward toward the family room, but it would be a shame to unintentionally pass up the beautiful formal living room just to the left.

The grand room, with twinkling fireplace lights, has an enormous bay window that faces back out to the neighborhood and front rose garden. It’s the perfect place for entertaining or having mega-sized sleepovers.

But the epicenter of the 1,550 square-foot home is definitely the family room.

“This is where we live,” owner Donna Doglione says. It’s no wonder. The great room is home to a family room, dining room, and kitchen. Berber carpeting drapes the floor of the family room, while gem-blue floors cover the kitchen.

Oak cabinets and a matching oversized oak-paneled refrigerator in the kitchen maintain the space’s coziness. There’s no shortage of cupboard space anywhere in sight. A sleek black five-burner stove with an über-cool popup hood sits sidesaddle in the u-shaped kitchen so that precious counter space isn’t sacrificed.

Should you ever want to leave the houses-it-all space, there’s plenty more. Two good-sized bedrooms with ample closet space share a full bathroom. That its original ceramic tile happens to be back-en-vogue pink is just another plus.

“We were going to remodel it, but it’s just too pretty to take out,” Doglione says.

The master bedroom is big enough for the most creative imagination. Tucked away beyond the long, large windows that face out to the backyard, there’s a recently remodeled full master bath with floor-to-ceiling tile in the shower.

Back into the epicenter and out the sliding door, the rear yard is truly a retreat. Tall wooden fences flank the sides. A high stone wall covered with trees and flowers is the back wall. It’s a place gushing with utter privacy.

“I like to come out here, listen to the fountain, drink a glass of wine, and pretend I’m back in Italy,” Doglione says of the yard. You could do just that on the large patio with differing shades of gray Idaho flagstone while the multi-tiered fountain trickles from across the yard in the corner. The large dog run will make sure Fido doesn’t stir the silent air. For more active days, there’s a raised garden ready to hold whatever’s in season.

For the Dogliones, though, it’s time to go. They’re building their “dream house” in Arizona. Perhaps it’s more appropriate to say their second dream house. This one must have been the first—it’s that lovingly detailed.

“It’s always been my little jewel,” Doglione says. “We raised our family here. But now? Now it’s time to let someone else do the same.”

Price: $575,000. 647 La Mesa, Salinas. For sale by owner: Contact Mike and Donna Doglione at 424-9142.