The crown jewel of this 1,487-square-foot house from the 1940s is appropriately located in the premiere spot at the top, occupying the entire second floor. Revealing these details first, instead of later, ignores the recommendation to save best for last. But it must be understood that dessert first is gratifying and great fun.

The impressive master suite is built above the double garage (420 square feet) and has a 14-foot-by-4-foot window that is glorious and cinematic, and reveals views of the bay just two blocks away along Ocean View Boulevard. It is a mighty surprise.

Across the room from that bay view, a square window is recessed between a brace of deep, built-in closets that also bracket deep, built-in drawers reaching about chest high. The top is backlit by the window for display purposes or practical items. That the window faces the street and house on the other side of it might call for treatments allowing for that clear light, but insuring privacy. The full (shower) bath, although in good condition, likely would be remodeled, as would the railing along the staircase, currently made of fence material and not apropos.

The landing below meets the kitchen and door to the garage, a brilliant convenience for unloading from car to counters. Lots of great light comes through two large windows, one over the double sink, another over a built-in desk extended from the one work surface. The floor would be considerably improved if replaced by one of better quality. The current synthetic surface is in perfect condition, though, and ideal if a family is fully equipped with animals and children and other life-enhancing commitments.

Aside from easy access to the garage, the kitchen has entry into the separate dining room on one side and into the living room on the other. A glass-paned door in the dining room opens to the wooden deck above a long, narrow yard and to sunshine much of the day. Deck replacement probably would go on a ‘Honey do’ list, as well.

The living room as seen from the front door brings a smile that widens with appreciation for features and details inside, one example being the entry itself. It recalls the lapsed belief in the absolute necessity of a good coat closet. Perpendicular to it, a waist-high wall parallel to the living room sports a generous surface for large and small items typically attendant to daily organization, or just a handsome bouquet. This one little entry deserves an award for its huge contribution to the ease of arriving and leaving the house.

The picture window in the living room brings in lovely, cool light all the way to the brick fireplace 15 feet across from it on a polished wooden wall. Also well done are built-in cabinets, such as one for fire wood storage, and beautifully shaped shelves that narrow with a gentle curve at the end to accommodate the corner of the dining room doorway.

The two downstairs bedrooms are at the back of the house accompanied by full bath (shower/tub) with original butter-cream and claret tile, in great condition. In the hallway between, deep built-in cabinets and drawers are once again laudable.

White the upstairs suite is the crown jewel of this old comfy house, the many built-ins are the buried treasure.

Price: $1,150,000. 1016 Balboa Ave., Pacific Grove. Contact Peggy Jones, The Jones Group Town and Coastal Real Estate, 917-4534.