There''s a sense of openness, of true breathing room, when approaching the Copsey family''s large post adobe home in Carmel Valley.

A generously sized parking pad outside the 3,145-square-foot ranch home provides plenty of space for guests.

A detached two-car garage, shop, horse stables and corral sit at the back of the one-acre property.

"It is kind of rustic-it''s got that ranch feel to it," says Marge, who with husband Ken has lived in the home for 42 years.

Seven years ago, the Copsey''s son and daughter-in-law bought the main home from them and added on a spacious two-bedroom granny-unit for Ken and Marge.

The new addition, like the rest of the home, has high vaulted ceilings of whitewashed pine and Berber carpeting and Spanish tiled floors. Most of the rooms have exterior doors that lead to the tiled patios surrounding the house.

"In the spring it''s covered with roses," Marge says. "As a little girl I dreamed of these Cecile Brunner roses-they smell so good."

The granny unit is full of amenities-like the deep Fuji soaking tub in the bathroom, the woodstove in the large living room, and the built-in paneled refrigerator in the functional kitchenette. There''s a plug-in range top that Marge is cooking a ham on today.

"I''m hoping our grandson comes over for dinner tonight," Marge smiles.

The main part of the house has three more bedrooms and two and a half more bathrooms, plus a large study with a Murphy bed.

"The kids always used it when they had their friends over," Marge says.

The main kitchen, living, and dining rooms are oversized with extra-tall ceilings, and have large windows and glass doors out on to the rear deck, where a hot tub awaits for nighttime stargazing.

Besides the comfort of the house, there''s also near perfect weather-out of the fog, but not too hot. The home, walking distance to Quail Lodge, is also a stone''s throw from the Carmel River-but not so close that it''s flooded. Views of green mountains surround the property.

Price: $998,000. 6235 Brookdale, Carmel Valley. Contact: Joe Smith of Bill Bluhm and Associates at (831) 375-8821.

Carmel Valley Condo

Carmel Valley Ranch is arguably the sunniest spot on the Peninsula. But if you ask condo owner Kevin Freeman, newly relocated to Texas, it''s the exclusive golf lifestyle that really makes him wistful.

"Oh yeah," he says, when asked if he took advantage of the course. "Our unit is on the 8th fairway," explains Freeman. "You walk out the door and it''s right there."

Besides golf, Kevin enjoyed nearby hiking trails, where he found himself face-to-face with wildlife like deer, wild turkeys and quail.

For wife Marnie, part of the enjoyment from living at the Ranch was the graciousness of the 1,940-square-foot two-bedroom, three-bath condo.

"It''s romantic," she says of the light-filled space. "The master bedroom is enormous, with its own marble fireplace, and there''s a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath."

Homeowners in the Ranch are entitled to use of the complex pool, or can purchase different types of memberships to the resort to use the golf, fitness center, resort pool, tennis courts, and riding stables.

"It''s five vacations in one: there''s nature hikes, golf, tennis, horseback riding, or you can just lounge by the pool."

Price: $799,000. Homeowner''s Association Dues: $385/month. Furnishings and artwork also available. 9808 Club Place Lane, Carmel Valley Ranch. Contact: Joe Smith of Bill Bluhm and Associates at (831) 375-8821.