The split-level home came into existence and rose in popularity during the 1940s to the 1960s. Taking inspiration from Midcentury Modern and traditional Ranch-style homes, it is especially useful when the homesite is not exactly flat.
If you have ever seen The Brady Bunch then you have seen a split-level home. Surprisingly we found out that there are six different types of split-level homes when researching for this week’s Tarrant County Tuesday.
What is a split-level home?
By definition, a split-level home is simply one with multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. These homes differ from traditional two-story homes in that two-story homes have one story stacked on the other.
In a split-level home, there is typically a one-story section that is connected to a two-story section of the home instead of being right on top of each other. Typically split-level homes have three staircases, but that’s not the rule.
Huge benefits of split-level homes include living areas separated from bedrooms. Generally, rooms are large and spacious.
As with many architectural styles, split-level homes are making a comeback. Owners are realizing that split-level homes can provide much-needed space and additional rooms without taking up too much of the yard. Likewise, when the homesite is sloped, instead of spending a lot of money trying to flatten the property to build a traditional floorplan, a split-level home can be more cost-effective and require less site work.
The Ridgmar Neighborhood
We have highlighted the Ridgmar neighborhood of Fort Worth plenty in the past. It is located just west of the Fort Worth Cultural District along with Monticello, Arlington Heights, and Rivercrest neighborhoods. Surveys dated as early as 1861 mention the Ridgmar neighborhood, but many homes in the community were built in the 1950s and 60s.
Early neighborhood requirements were 25- to 40-foot front setbacks and roofs were to be wood shingle … until it was discovered that wooden shingle roofs can be a fire hazard.
If you have never visited Ridgmar, you will certainly be surprised at how hilly the neighborhood can be. If you’re looking for a good running or walking neighborhood that will challenge your calf muscles, it is certainly a great choice.
6609 Genoa Road
Built in 1962, the split-level home with four or five bedrooms at 6609 Genoa Road is an updated must-see.
It is a four- or five-bedroom home because the current owners have turned one bedroom into a fantastic clothes closet with access to the primary suite. In fact, this home has two primary suites as the original garage has been incorporated into the overall square footage that measures 2,634 feet in total.
This home has so much flexibility and room to work for whatever you need it to be. Need two living spaces? OK. Need multiple primary suites? Done. Want to enjoy the front yard? The backyard? You betcha.
Jeff Bankhead of Williams Trew Real Estate has listed 6609 Genoa Road in Ridgmar for $575,000.
