Turning west off of 18th Avenue - up a gentle winding drive lined with Cabernet Sauvignon-filled grape arbors, olive trees and and framed by majestic oaks - is the home of Roy Fialho, owner of the Boston House of Pizza.

A flower-lined cement walk leads from the parking area along the pond's edge and an escort of koi to a small flight of steps up to the front door. Twisted junipers in ceramic planters stand proudly on either side of the porch.

Built on a 20-acre parcel, the home is 3,000 square feet of comfort, tastefully decorated in a Tuscany theme with strong aviation accents. Views punctuate every room of this two-story. As you enter the front door, a dark and richly warm hardwood floor draws you in. You are immediately enveloped in the warmth generated by the almost mustard, custom-colored walls. Elaborate and broad crown molding wraps itself around every door, window and room. "Twin" living rooms open to both the left and the right of the entryway. However, the door at the end of the hall to Fialho's entry insists on visiting it first. Passing an elegant bench and huge wrought iron-framed mirror to reach this door seems insignificant once the door swings open.

What is revealed is a 5,400-square-foot attached airplane hangar, in the center of which you will find Fialho's personal airplane, an Eclipse 500 dual prop six-seater. When not in the air, the plane is centered precisely over the elegant compass rose stained onto already custom-colored cement. Black iron railings with a grape motif stop human traffic from entering the hangar without pausing to assess the activities and purpose of the area. The massive hangar doors appear to be oversized rolling garage doors, topped with a line of small windows such as those gound in traditional neighborhood homes. This purposeful design was Fialho's idea to bring a more personal, rather than industrial, feel to his hangar. The hangar doors roll up on both the north and south side so the plane can roll in and out with minimal ground maneuvering. Directly behind the hangar is Fialho's latest toy, an automated resident car wash which resembles the design of commercial car washes.

Returning inside and moving back to the entryway to take a closer look to the right reveals the more formal of the two front living rooms. Decorated in Tuscany earth tones, a comfortable couch and chair are situated to appreciate the view of the pond, the oaks and the arbors through the bay window. Depending on the time of day, the not-so-distant pond reflects whatever is happening in the sky at the moment.

Behind this more formal living room is the Tuscany-style kitchen. With dark and glistening granite countertops, detailed tile backsplash, all stainless appliances, and interesting corner cabinetry, the welcoming center island with an elegant pillar protruding from one corner achieves focus. Two stylish bar stools wait for company at one end. A trendy 36-bottle wine cooler refrigerator is built in beneath the counter. There is a down draft burner and grill and cooktops all facing the kitchen.

Returning to the entryway and looking left, the less formal living room beckons. Planned to eventually be the "executive office" with attached secretarial office and mud room, the room is a mirror of the formal living room. A large and fascinating globe sits perched in the bay window. One of the more exotic souvenirs from Fialho's travels is a tapestry from India adorned with semi-precious gems and gold leaf.

The upstairs contains two bedrooms and a bath, a spacious laundry room and again, a spectacular view. To the left of the stairs lies the master bedroom. Contemporary dark wood furniture decorated simply with family photos creates a comfortable setting. A single door leads to the master bath. The floor changes to marble and rises to surround the marble tub and shower. A crystal chandelier hangs elegantly over the tub, but does not interfere with the views available from the window behind it.

The other bedroom on this floor is coordinated in more earth tones with matching linens and window treatments. The furniture is slightly more casual than the master, suggesting youth. The comfortable and spacious room hosts more family photos, and in this room, their prominence exceeds that of the views which are veiled a bit more by window treatments.

As you descend the stairs, stop at the bottom to take a final glance out at the reflecting pond directly in front of you and framed by the gentle arch of the front porch.

It is this view that will help one to appreciate and understand Fialho's convincing comments: "I have only lived here two years ... I fly everywhere, but this is home."

Third in a series.

Carnegie Heritage Home tour, luncheon

When: Saturday, April 14, luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tour from 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: Luncheon at Carnegie Museum Courtyard, home tours follow at four different locations.

Homes on tour: Adam and Maria Fernandez (Hanford), Bill and Claudean Thwaytes (Hanford), Corry and Jane Vanderham (Hanford) and Roy Fialho (Lemoore)

Cost: Tickets for the tour are $20 per person, luncheon tickets are $15 per person. Prizes will be on display at the museum and a drawing will take place in the evening, tickets are $1 apiece.

Information: 585-8180

(April 11, 2007)