split-level houses

Around here, a split-level is a house with levels half-stories apart. Usually, there are three levels. The main entrance is on the first (ground) floor, and from there, one does up or down five feet or so to the remainder of the living area. Because the lower level is finished living area, it is partially exposed at least on one side, but not necessarily because it is built on a slope; access to windows and doors can be from dug-outs rather than gradual slopes. Split-levels, most of which were built in the 70s, have their own architectural style - limited to quasi-modern-colonial-revival-mixed-with-contemporary - while walk-outs can be just about any style.