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This detail has its origins in Greek and Roman architecture and can be found in many of the grand buildings of Europe. Many of the design influences of Colonial homes worked in tandem with one another. Precise geometry and symmetry deterred the random placement of details such as windows. Colonial-style houses typically feature a window on each side of the entry door and three to five windows on the upper level, with one directly above the entry door. Colonial architecture is a style that’s influenced by the country of origin and is most commonly seen in buildings of settlements or colonies.

A New Sorority House by Michael G. ImberMichael G. Imber designs a Georgian-inspired building at the University of Arkansas. Most concrete block homes have 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 exterior walls on the 2nd story. The design of Colonial homes incorporated a lot of symmetry and geometry.
New Shingle Style
Colonial style homes are one of the oldest architectural types in the United States, dating back to the 1600s, and we can help you find one right here in Massachusetts. Find your own piece of history in Massachusetts with a colonial style home that will withstand the test of time. Listing information is from various brokers who participate in the Bright MLS IDX program and not all listings may be visible on the site.
Vineyard Shingle StylePatrick Ahearn Architect designs a summer homethat fits in with the aesthetic of this New England island. Carving a NichePhillip James Dodd redefines Palm Beach architecture with a new Spanish Mediterranean home. The style is characterized by elaborate cornices, large archways, and wooden balconies. The use of this style spread across Latin America and parts of North America. The clapboard siding on this Colonial is a fine example of one of the materials from the region that builders would have used to construct homes 300 years ago.
Key Characteristics of Colonial-Revival Homes
Apart from the fact you're buying into a piece of history, Colonial style houses are visually appealing and their classic good looks are guaranteed to stand the test of time. The front door of a Colonial-style house is traditionally placed directly in the middle, reflecting their symmetry while also a practical layout choice. An on-center entry typically opens into a foyer or hall with rooms on either side. This allows stairway placement in the middle of the home, with a hallway that cuts through the upper level's center.
However, there are plenty of ways to update these classic houses for contemporary life. For instance, a fresh color palette can modernize the exterior, and additions such as front porches or sunrooms can boost available living space. Colonial house styles typically include two or three stories stacked directly on top of each other. Historically, this simple layout made the homes easier to heat in the winter, a practical necessity for early colonists. In addition, separate rooms, as opposed to open-concept layouts, and relatively low ceilings helped retain warmth more efficiently. Type of colonial houses are seen in many different countries, so the positive benefits of this architectural style can be enjoyed all around the world.
Common home styles and types of houses
I’m not really sure what the difference between British and English colonial in the past but many people searching on internet for “English colonial house” so I’m writing about this topic here too. The style of architecture that is most prevalent in the Spanish colonies from the 16th to 18th centuries. The Ho Chi Minh house was built to be symbolic of the country’s freedom, but it never had been occupied by him.
Other features include narrow dormer windows, shutters and central doors. Developing around 1780, Federalist homes are technically separate from colonial-style — the name refers to the early days of the new republic, the federal period — but the two have a lot in common. Colonial style homes typically were more utilitarian, often being made with cheaper but abundant materials that could be found in newly settled areas.
Saltbox style homes and Cape Cod style homes were some of the simplest of homes constructed in the New England colonies. The Saltbox homes known for their steep roof among the back the house made for easy construction among colonists. The Cape Cod style homes were a common home in the early 17th of New England colonists, these homes featured a simple, rectangular shape commonly used by colonists. In the Delaware Valley, Swedish colonial settlers introduced the log cabin to America. A style sometimes called Pennsylvania colonial appeared later and incorporates Georgian architectural influences.
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The manufacturer and/or builder reserves the right to make changes due to any changes in material, color, specifications, and features at any time without notice or obligation. Castle Homes portfolio of custom homes in Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin TN. Small six-paned sash windows or dormer windows in the upper floors, primarily used for servant's quarters. “A historic colonial home needs to be inspected for proper maintenance with special concern for the framing.

Subdivisions across the country are dotted with interpretations of the Colonial-Revival style. Colonial-style homes have been built semi-continuously for the last 300+ years. The price you pay for one will vary drastically, depending on whether it’s a landmarked historic home, an inner city fixer-upper, or a custom-built colonial-style home. The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, held in Philadelphia, renewed Americans’ interest in their pre-independence past. As part of the celebration of their country turning 100, a vogue for century-old styles began to permeate fashions, decorative arts and architecture. While technically outside the thirteen original colonies — introduced by Spanish colonists in southeastern coastal areas, the West Coast, and the Desert Southwest — these homes did develop around the same time.
Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent. Colonial style homes were built by European settlers mainly from countries such as the UK, France, Holland and Spain. They can be found throughout the US but many are located in the coastal Eastern states. Located across the US, Colonial style homes range from sought after historic homes to the more modern Colonial Revival properties.
The simple, symmetrical colonial style was rebooted, dressed in fancy details and ornate work, and outfitted with new technology unavailable at the time of original Colonial style homes. Some people want a colonial style house but also with features that relate to the present era. Obviously, building materials are progressively altering in current times, just the style of architecture is accustomed to make classic. Certain real estate listing data is provided by Staten Island MLS under its Internet Data Exchange program. This data is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may only be used for identifying prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing or renting. Data deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Staten Island MLS and should be independently verified.
Internal features
They typically have light colors on thick walls to keep interiors cool in the summer but retain heat in the winter. Balance and symmetry are characteristics of both the interior and exterior of most colonial homes. While simple, the silhouette is a wide, expansive one, reflecting the abundance of land and open space that marked the settlers’ new continent.

The best way to describe a true Colonial style home is in that they take a modern approach to traditional design. Monmouth County in central New Jersey has many surviving examples of a hybrid of the Dutch style termed Anglo-Dutch colonial architecture. Usually the earliest portions of the houses are one room and built in Dutch style with later additions built in the Georgian architecture style. Examples being the Hankinson–Moreau–Covenhoven House, the Holmes-Hendrickson House, and many houses at Monmouth Battlefield State Park.
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