“I’m Upstairs, Dear!”

Some people are really down on split-levels. They feel it’s awkward and unwelcoming to be greeted by a choice of staircases. I think it depends more on the specific design and how it was handled in each particular house. I even have a theory that the split-level house is what lead to the popular greeting, “Honey, I’m home!” Hubby didn’t yell that out just to announce his arrival. Rather, it was to find out where his spouse was when he first walked in the door. If the answer was, “I’m upstairs, dear!” he would choose the up staircase. If, however, the marriage was on the rocks, well…

This time I’ll be profiling a split-level that follows the more traditional layout. Stay tuned for my next post, when I’ll be reviewing a (gasp) modern split level! The question for this house is: would I be willing to give up a garage to live here? I’d have to say, probably, yes. Rather than a garage, the roof line extends to form a carport (I think there’s an architectural term for that style roof, but I can’t find it. Anyone?).

Once again, we have a nicely remodeled home in Chevy Chase. (If you read my previous post, you’ll know that Chevy Chase, the 1960s residential development off 148th Ave NE, scores high marks with me. It’s only drawback? The Microsoft commuter traffic on 148th during morning and afternoon/evening rush hours.) The owners appear to have taken the time and effort to remodel with style and panache, without overdoing or overdesigning.

The kitchen is nice, though lacking a pantry. Once you’ve had a pantry, you can’t go back. Or it’s a difficult adjustment, at the least. The floors, the molding, the open kitchen, the pretty glass bowl sink in one of the bathrooms–there’s a lot to like here. The size of the house and the number of rooms make it appropriate for a large family or lots of office space. There are two bedrooms adjoining a shared bathroom downstairs. All the rooms and space make it a house that can be truly customized to your own needs.

So if you can kiss your clutter-attracting, spider-filled, dust-gathering garage goodbye, then, upstairs or downstairs, this house is easy to like.

STATS:
Price: $695,800.
Location: 15031 NE12th St., Bellevue, WA 98007
Last sale price: $285,000. (In 2002)
Square footage: 2460. Lot size: 8400 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 7 Baths: 3.75
http://www.redfin.com/stingray/do/printable-listing?listing-id=293045