In Praise of the Unsung, Unassuming, Underappreciated Split-Level

Learning to Love (OK, Like) Split-Level’s

What’s so great about opening the front door of a home and finding yourself standing in the middle of the Living Room?

Or maybe Kitchen?

That’s been my experience in any number of newer, upper bracket homes — homes that supposedly boast the latest and greatest of everything, and reflect the latest trends.

By contrast, no one seems to want a Split-Level.

The floor plan strikes some as awkward.

The curb appeal can be underwhelming.

Plus, there’s no grand entry.

On the contrary, if the Split-Level is also a Split-Entry . . . . you have to decide whether to go up . . . or down!

Advice to Home Buyers

So what?

What Split-Level’s lack in sex appeal, they often make up in functionality.

And price (as in value).

And construction quality:  the majority of the Split-Levels in the Twin Cities were built in the 50’s and ’60’s — a golden era for home construction quality if there ever was one.

Which is another reason to love (OK, like) them:  great location, in inner-ring suburbs close to the city, often set on a roomy lot with a spacious backyard.

Finally, that floor plan many turn their noses up at has some redeeming virtues.

Like, the lower level in many split-levels is a walkout, or at least has lookout windows.

Which means no dark, basement-y feel.

So, here’s my advice to prospective Home Buyers:

Get over yourselves.

Curb appeal, which is over-rated anyways, is for the neighbors.

See also, “An Ode to the ’50’s Rambler.“



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