CEDAR CITY - On a cozy hilltop overlooking the valley to the west and Cedar Mountain to the east sits La Bella Maison, which swept six of the top seven awards in the Iron County Parade of Homes, including the coveted Judges' Choice Award.

Builder Nate Blake describes the three-bedroom. 3,000-square-feet home, which sits on three acres as French country style, with soft, fine cabinetry, earth tones, tall ceilings and a combination of the old with the new.

The kitchen and master bedroom suite are the showpieces for the house, brightened by the presence of large windows that offer a wide view of the panoramic scene to the east.

The home is Blake's second entry in the Parade of Homes. List year, he also built a home in the French country style that was a little more rustic.

"I wanted something a little more elegant this year," he said.

That would explain the granite countertops throughout the spacious kitchen, a generous butler's pantry just off the kitchen and old-fashioned, plaster of Paris work in the entryway.

"I like the openness and spaciousness, but it also has a cozy feel, too." said Blake as he took in the mountain view from the back patio.

Blake said the home was planned originally as a spec home. However, a couple from California saw the plans and purchased it for S370,000.

"It's five times the home for a third of the price they would have paid in California," he said.
Among the unique touches in the home is a bathroom vanity, made from an old armoire.

'Vintage a la Vogue decorated the home." he said.

Flooring was provided by Flooring America and Lifestyles Patios and Spa created the bathrooms, including the one in the master bedroom suite, which includes a tub/spa and dual shower behind blocked glass.'

Landscaping is sparse, but tasteful, with a soothing waterfall at the front entry and curving, bordered lawn in the back.

Blake said he began planning the home last May.

"We got several floor plans and put together the elements home to fit the property."

Construction began in early June.

Still, he said, there were last-minute touches that weren't completed until just before the Parade of Homes bee an last weekend.

Blake said he originally entered the Iron County Parade of Homes to get a little recognition. "It's for a little marketing to get some name recognition." he said. "It's a chance for people to see what we can do."

He said he had several people approach him to build homes for him off last year's showing, which earned him first place in every category.

"1 guess you could say we've had two real good years," he said. "By the time it's all over, you swear you'll never do another one. But we will."