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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
