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Cooking is no chore in Vic-toria Wareing's kitchen.

Whether she's rolling out cookie dough or sauteing dinner, she's admiring 180-degree views of Mount Werner, Rabbit Ears Pass and the south valley.

"When I walked in this house when we were looking to bu-y, I looked out the windows and was like, 'ahhh.' It was so peaceful," Wareing said.

Great views and quiet are perhaps the biggest advantages of the five-acre lot at the top of the Whitecotton subdivision, off Routt County Road 35 between C.R. 14 and Colorado Highway 131.

The views, impressive even against winter whites and browns, are spectacular in the summer, framed by lush aspen trees and vegetation, Victoria Wareing said.

All that and the property is only 15 minutes from Steamboat Springs.

"In the winter, it's hard to get people out here," listing broker Valerie Lish said. "But once they come, they see what they can get a short distance from town."

Potential buyers of the two-story home would never know it was built in 1979. Remodeling every inch of the 2,580-square-foot house has been a labor of love for Victoria and Carter Wareing, who have lived in the home for about nine years.

Fresh, open spaces accented with earth tones and clean finishes are the result of the Wareings' hard work and keen attention to detail.

Living areas in the home are on the second floor, which takes advantage of sunlight and views with multiple windows and a metal-railed balcony.

The most impressive room is the kitchen, which was designed around a green-and-sand-toned slab of granite that tops the island. Victoria Wareing painstakingly chose the slab from among hundreds of pieces, she said.

Terracotta-colored walls, Shaker-style maple cabinets and hardwood floors give the room a modern fresh appeal.

Cooking and entertaining are made easy with a Viking, six-burner range with griddle, hood and heating racks. Stainless steel appliances include a double oven and ultra-quiet Bosch dishwasher.

A separate butler's pantry with an extra refrigerator, sink, cabinets and counter space is a logical and unique component of the kitchen design.

A casual floor plan accommodates a bright, comfortable dining and living area off the kitchen. The sitting room includes a gas fireplace.

The furnishings in the living area are available with the home, Victoria Wareing said.

An office, with French doors and a half bathroom, completes the second floor and also could be used as an additional bedroom.

The home's first floor doesn't sacrifice great views, which are apparent in the master suite. The room includes a separate entrance and deck as well as a large walk-in closet with built-in shelves.

A Jacuzzi tub and glass shower with double showerheads are among modern comforts in the master bathroom. Multi-colored river stones accent the shower and sink areas.

Another full bathroom and two additional bedrooms are on the lower level. Multiple closets provide plenty of storage space.

A one-car garage and workshop is detached from the home, and extra parking space for recreational vehicles is located on the lower portion of the lot.

The Wareings' home is being offered at $730,000. For more information, call Lish at 879-5100.

-- To reach Tamera Manzanares call 871-4204 or e-mail tmanzanares@steamboatpilot.com