Colonial House Plans

What makes a house colonial?

Built as early as the 1600s, colonial house plans have been constructed and modernized through current times with the following typical features:

• Symmetrical or square façade
• Centrally located front doors and formal entrances
• Massive paired or single exterior chimneys
• Wood clapboard, shingle, or brick exteriors
• The foyer staircase bisecting the second floor
• Peaked/pitched roofs
• Little to no overhangs
• Multiple small windows
• Columns and decorations associated with patriotic themes – i.e., eagles, coats of arms, or flags
• Traditional room layouts
• Full height second floors

Later styled colonial-style house plans may have included pillars, overhead dormer windows, brick exteriors, substantial door knockers, and front window shutters.

How many floors does a colonial house have?

A colonial house typically features two or two-and-a-half stories. This design often includes a central entrance, a symmetrical facade, and a simple, rectangular floor plan. While regional variations in materials and decorative elements exist, the general layout and the number of floors remain consistent across most colonial-style house plans.

What are the different types of colonial homes?

Colonial homes, a popular architectural style in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries, exhibit regional variations with unique features and materials. Here are some of the prominent types of colonial homes:

• Dutch Colonial. Originating in the Hudson Valley of New York, Dutch colonial house plans feature a distinctive gambrel roof with flared eaves, a central entrance, and often include a porch. The exterior is typically made of brick or stone.
• Georgian Colonial. Named after the reigns of the British Kings George I to George III, Georgian colonial house plans are known for their symmetrical facades, hipped roofs, and classical ornamentation. They often have a central entrance with a decorative crown or pediment, and the exterior is commonly made of brick or wood.
• Spanish Colonial. Prevalent in the American Southwest and Florida, Spanish colonial house plans feature thick adobe or stucco walls, low-pitched tile roofs, and small windows to protect against the region's heat. In addition, they often include a central courtyard and arcaded porches.
• French Colonial. Predominant in the Mississippi River Valley, French colonial house plans are characterized by their raised design, often with a full-length porch and wide overhanging eaves. The exterior is typically constructed of wood, brick, or stucco.
• New England Colonial. Standard in the Northeast, these homes are characterized by a symmetrical facade, central chimney, and steeply pitched roof. In addition, New England colonial house plans are typically built with wood clapboard siding due to the region's abundant timber resources.
• German Colonial. Found in areas with significant German settlements, such as Pennsylvania, these homes have a distinctive appearance, with thick stone or brick walls, steeply pitched roofs, and small casement windows. They often feature a central chimney or two-end chimneys.
• Federal Colonial. Developed during the United States' early years, Federal Colonial homes are an evolution of the Georgian style, with more delicate ornamentation, including fanlights above doors and oval or circular windows. They often have a central entrance, a symmetrical facade, and a hipped or gabled roof.

What year were colonial homes built?

Colonial homes in the United States were primarily built during the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting European settlers' architectural styles and influences. The construction of these homes began in the early 1600s, as European colonization in North America took hold, and continued through the late 1700s before the emergence of other architectural styles such as Federal and Greek Revival.

Why are colonial homes popular?

Colonial homes have consistently been popular for various reasons, including historical context, architectural allure, practicality, and versatility. As one of the earliest architectural styles in the United States, these homes represent a crucial period in American history, embodying the nation's architectural and cultural heritage. In addition, they provide a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the lifestyles and values of early settlers.

Colonial-style house plans' timeless elegance and simplicity contribute to their appeal, with balanced proportions, symmetrical facades, and classic design elements creating a visually pleasing aesthetic.

Additionally, colonial homes typically feature functional, rectangular floor plans with well-defined living areas, catering to modern living needs and providing comfortable and effective use of space. The adaptability of these homes allows for easy updates or expansions while preserving the original architectural essence, enabling homeowners to customize their living spaces while maintaining the property's historic charm.

Lastly, the classic design of colonial house floor plans has proven to be enduringly popular, ensuring these properties remain in demand and retain their value in the real estate market. Collectively, these factors contribute to the continued interest and desirability of colonial homes among homeowners and prospective buyers.

How tall is a 2-story colonial house?

The height of a two-story colonial house can vary depending on factors such as ceiling height and roof pitch. Generally, a standard ceiling height for residential homes ranges from 8 to 10 feet per floor. With this in mind, 2-story colonial house plans would have an approximate height of 16 to 20 feet, excluding the roof.

What type of roof does a colonial house have?

A colonial house typically features a gable roof, characterized by its triangular shape formed by two sloping roof sections that meet at the ridge along the top. The pitch of a gable roof on a colonial house can vary, but it is often moderately steep, allowing for efficient shedding of rain and snow. While regional variations of colonial homes may exhibit slight differences in roof styles, the gable roof remains the most common and recognizable feature across most colonial-style house plans.

Do colonial houses have porches?

While porches are not standard in all colonial homes, regional variations such as Southern, French, and Dutch Colonial styles often incorporate patios. These porches serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, providing shade and outdoor living space and adding to the overall architectural appeal of the home.