Ignite FB Tracking PixelRecognizing Southern house styles - Jessica Mangion

Recognizing Southern house styles

by Jessica Mangion 11/17/2023

Rich with historical inspiration, Southern house styles are still popular in the world of modern architecture. What’s known as Southern architecture is largely inspired by a specific time period, and often refers to structures originally built before the American Civil War. However, you can still find the style’s influence in contemporary architecture across the country.

But what exactly defines a Southern house plan? Here are the key characteristics to know:

Symmetrical exterior design

Most Southern style house plans feature a square-shaped, symmetrical facade. The front door is always centered and often flanked by tall, narrow windows. French doors are another common exterior feature, always symmetrically oriented to allow access to outside living spaces.

Raised basements

In the American south, the frequency of heavy rain, flooding and hurricanes makes raised basements a necessity as well as a style choice for a Southern style house. Both in modern and traditional Southern house plans, raised basements protect the main living areas from water damage and also provide extra storage space.

Wrap-around porches

Enormous wrap-around porches are one of the most recognizable features of Southern architecture. These porches provide a plethora of comfortable places to sit while protected from the elements. Rain or shine, these porches are an essential element to Southern house plans.

Vaulted ceilings

Tall ceilings are another example of an architectural feature of Southern house plans that is both functional and stylish. Vaulted ceilings make a Southern home seem grand and palatial, but also help keep a comfortable temperature and humidity inside the home by allowing the warm air to rise above the main floor.

These are only a few recognizable features of Southern house plans. Other elements like decorative columns, exterior staircases and expansive gardens are also present in this architectural style. No matter where you are, you can find inspiration from Southern houses and their profound effect on contemporary architecture.

About the Author
Author

Jessica Mangion

Jessica is a dedicated real estate agent who puts her clients' needs first. She strives to exceed their expectations and provides them with true dedication, integrity, and professionalism. She understands that buying or selling a property is a big decision and a significant investment. Jessica has extensive knowledge of the real estate market in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and she is committed to serving her clients' needs. Whether you are looking for your first home, a vacation home on the lake, or an investment property, Jessica can provide you with all the necessary information about locations, property types, and value. She thoroughly enjoys her work and is passionate about helping her clients buy or sell properties in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. If you're looking for a reliable and knowledgeable real estate agent, Jessica is the right choice for you.