Fawcett Homes: The Bayview | architect Eglis Hermanovski | photos Grayson Tewksburry

PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS in all sections of the country report that when families now examine homes, one of the first questions they ask is the location of the recreation room. This room-a place where everyone can let off steam-has become increasingly important since the end of the war. There are several reasons- the development of television, the increase in our leisure time, the general revival of interest in the home as a center of recreation.

The sought-for recreation room is one where youngsters can play without disturbing the rest of the family; where teenagers can throw a rock-and-roll party; where Dad and Junior can engage in a table tennis tournament; where all the family can watch television; and where- if need be your visiting cousins can be put up for a few days or even a few weeks. Where in a low-cost house can you gét a room that fits this description? The answer is that, if you have a basement, almost always you can develop a recreation room that will be completely suitable. The Bay-iew offers a perfect example of how this can be accomplished. It is a split-level house. It can be built on a tiny lot but through the intelligent use of the basement, it gives all that you would want-and at low cost. As shown in the accompanying floor plan, the recreation room occupies about 250 square feet of floor area and is as large as the average living room. Its windows provide adequate light and ventilation, yet do not detract from the appearance of the house as it is seen from the street.

Up half a flight of stairs from the basement area is the street level. Here is the entrance foyer with a large guest closet and convenient powder room; a den or bedroom facing the rear of the lot; and a one-car garage. Since the garage measures 24 feet 5 inches, it can accommodate the largest car now made with something like five feet to spare.

Up a few steps from the foyer is the living room-dining room-kitchen level. Turn from the living room and go up a short additional flight, and you are on the "quiet" level-the floor above the garage and foyer. There are three bedrooms, all large enough to accommodate double beds. The master bedroom is located in the rear and features an attractive corner window arrangement. There is one bathroom on this floor-a long room with a built-in vanity which is directly accessible from the master bedroom as well as the hall. Vanities such as this have become widely popular even in low-priced homes such as the Bayview. The wide ledges of the counter- top make it easy for one to put down cosmetics, lotions and other products used in personal grooming. The vanity usually is closed in below and pipes are hidden. Except for special treatments-such as the bow bay window in the living room- sliding glass windows are specified throughout. If you choose windows made with wood frames you can paint them to match the color of your exterior. Aluminum or other units are also available.

If the Bayview strikes your fancy and you hire a contractor to erect it for you, you may wish to consider the saving possible by finishing off the basement recreation room yourself, after you move in.