French cottage Architecture

COLONIAL TRADITIONS (1600-1820)

Colonial style home plans are generally two to two and one half story homes with a very simple and efficient design. This architectural style is very identifiable with its very simplistic rectangular shape and the large columns. These homes are also very symmetrical with equally sized windows generally spaced in a uniform fashion across the front of the home with decorative shutters. Colonial plans usually have one gabled roof from side to side or a hipped roof. Entrances are often accentuated with tall columns extending up both stories. Colonial revival house plans are typically two to three story home designs with symmetrical facades and gable roofs. Pillars and columns are common, often expressed in temple-like entrances with porticos topped by pediments. Multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters, dormers, and paneled doors with sidelights topped with rectangular transoms or fanlights help dress up the exteriors which are generally wood or brick. Additional common features include center entry-hall floor plan, fireplaces, and simple, classical detailing.

CAPE COD

Many of us may have had a cape cod style home as our fist home since they are generally smaller in size and more affordable. These smaller homes became very popular in the 1920's and allowed thousands of people the opportunity to own a home. Many of these homes were left unfinished in the attic and later finished as families could afford it. Some of the most prominent features of cape cod style homes are: Small rectangular sizes designed for small families. 1.5 story structures with gables roofs and usually two or more small dormers. The exteriors vary from brick, wide clapboard siding and sometime stucco. Usually the garages on Cape cod style homes are detached and positioned towards the rear of the home. These homes often had fireplaces with masonry chimneys. The 1-1/2 story style of a cape cod home is often found in plans categorized as Country style or farmhouse style homes. Since these homes are in a more rural setting large covered porches are often times added. Cape Cod style house plans have been a significant part of our country's history since many soldiers returning from World War II were assisted by the government with guaranteed loans and low interest rates to purchase them. These homes were often referred to as GI (general issue) homes because of the government programs that helped the soldiers get back into the workforce and enjoy the benefits of home ownership. The Cape Cod originated in the early 18th century as early settlers used half-timbered English houses with a hall and parlor as a model, and adapted it to New England's stormy weather and natural resources. Cape house plans are generally one to one-and-a-half story dormered homes featuring steep roofs with side gables and a small overhang. They are typically covered in clapboard or shingles and are symmetrical in appearance with a central door, multi-paned, double-hung windows, shutters, a formal, center-hall floor plan, hardwood floors and little exterior ornamentation. Some cottage house plans share Cape-inspired elements.

GEORGIAN

Side-gabled, gambrel or hip Roof: moderate or varied pitch, Slight eave overhang, boxed with modillions, dentils, or other classical moldings Gabled or pedimented dormers Segmental arched doors, windows, porches Transom lights above doors Six- or eight-panel door Pilasters to sides of doors (may have pediment) Pediment (doors and windows) Quoins, belt course Pilaster The word or term "Georgian" refers to the period of architecture in America beginning around 1700. Georgian style house plans were the dominant style of the English colonies for most of the 1700's during the reigns of Kings George I, II, and III.

The overall features of Georgian house plans can be described as a symmetrical composition enriched by classical detail. The structural and detail aspects of Georgian house plans show distinctions among regions as do other architectural styles. Georgian home plan architecture also share a unique set of characteristics which includes one or two story boxed floor plans usually two rooms deep, windows that are symmetrically balanced (aligned horizontally and vertically - never in adjacent pairs), windows usually five-ranked on front facade, less commonly three- or seven-ranked. The windows on a georgian house design have small panes of glass usually 9 or 12 panes per sash, paneled front door with decorative crown supported by pilasters, front door that's uncovered or covered by porch. Other georgian house plan features include side gable, hip, or gambrel roof on the main body of the building, a centered gable of the front facade, and cornice detail with dentils and other decorative molding. Georgian house plans are one of several colonial house plan styles.

DUTCH COLONIAL

(DUTCH COLONIAL) Side-gabled or gambrel Roof: low pitch Shed dormers Flared eaves Full-width one-story porch Dutch Colonial house plans are usually identified as one stories (sometimes 1 1/2 and 2 stories) with gabled or gambreled roof with little or no overhang. The roofs of dutch colonial houseplans are usually moderate to steeply pitched with flared eaves. In earlier original examples, the entrance door is divided into upper and lower halves. Today, this is more commonly a single unit door. The fireplace chimneys are at the end of the dutch colonial house plans (one or both side walls).