Split levels are one of our favorite house types. These houses have received a lot of bad press of late because they are deemed to lack appeal. However, we find that the main level of any split is ripe for improvement as has been done on this home.
The owners wanted a large and open entertaining space. They also wanted to create a separate office area for their home based business, a new parents’ bath and new finishes throughout.
By constructing a two story addition with sunroom below and two new bedrooms above, we were able to convert the middle of the original three bedrooms into a new and large parents’ bath with marble finishes and custom cabinetry. Changing the home from three to four bedrooms increased the home’s value considerably and gave the owners the extra space the needed for their home offices. The existing parents’ bedroom has been expanded into the old bathroom space and additional closet space has been provided.
At the main level all of the interior walls were removed to open up the space and create the entertaining area the owners want. Because the kitchen, dining and living areas are all open to each other, the kitchen has been given furniture quality cabinetry, granite countertops and the appliances were hidden where possible. The large center L shaped island is designed to hide the dirty dishes from the dining and living areas.
The living area includes a large entertainment center in the same cabinetry as the kitchen. The over mantel has been replaced with raised panels with the same finish as the kitchen.
New windows that let in an abundance of natural light and the tall ceilings give this room a spaciousness lacking in the original house. New sliding glass doors provide access to the new patio at the homes north side.
Limestone flooring has been installed throughout the lower and main levels of the home. This flooring ties together the various spaces, giving a continuity to the interior lacking in the original house.
The sunroom / bedroom addition is constructed to follow the character of the original house. The roof lines, eaves, and fenestration pattern are all composed to ensure that the completed home appears as if it had always been like it is now.
At the exterior, the original brick was salvaged and reused at the addition. New windows have been installed throughout the home and new stucco and cedar siding has been installed. New landscaping, brick paved driveway, and two new patios complete the exterior.
This home has been featured on HGTV’s Before and After.
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