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Housing Styles
Here are descriptions of some of the most typical architectural styles you are likely to find. There are numerous terms for styles and sub-styles that are used in listings that may not appear here. Your realtor can help to answer questions about any terms you may not be familiar with.  Victorian
"Victorian" is an umbrella term used to describe many different housing styles that appeared, roughly, one hundred years ago. South Jersey is full of unique Victorians. In their era, one's house was considered the most important object of status, and it still shows! Victorian homes were lavished with gingerbread, turrets, gracious sitting areas, and exceptional interior woodwork. Many people enjoy maintaining these homes as living piece of a history that still fulfills its purpose--to be lived in. "Queen Anne" is a type of Victorian home most often associated with steeply pitched roofs, turrets, assymetrical shapes, wraparound porches and fanciful embellishments.
 Colonial Revival
"Colonial Revival" is a term often associated with the end of the Victorian era, although many recently built houses in newer developments also emulate this popular, stately looking style. Colonial Revival houses are characterized by simpler, more symmetric lines, and take their design cues from the Federalist styles of the past. They have much less embellishment than Victorian homes, but they still are still made with the desirable materials and craftsmanship of their time.
 American "Foursquare"
Simple Foursquare houses (1895 - 1930) exist in every town in the area. They gained
popularity as a roomy house design for smaller suburban lots.
Additionally, one could easily order a foursquare house kit from Sears
and build upon the basic form to personalize it. Many feature built-in
cabinetry, stained glass windows, wraparound porches, and parquet floors. American
Foursquare houses usually feature two-and-a-half stories, a four-room
floor plan, and a full-width porch.
 Ranchers
Ranch-style houses are a uniquely American architectural style. Most were built during the 1940s to 1970s as new suburbs and developments. The ranch house has a long, low to the ground profile, usually with an attached garage, and is predominantly one story. They are most readily adaptable to those requiring one-floor living for aging concerns or special needs.
 Duplexes or twins
A duplex, or twin, house is a dwelling comprised of two units, usually side-by-side, that share a wall. Sometimes units are divided by floor. Many single-family-home neighborhoods have at least a few twins nestled in among them. Twins exist in every style from Victorian to contemporary structures. There are also several homes that have been divided into duplexes and triplexes. Depending on the needs of the buyer, they can be desirable as investment properties or conversion projects.
 Bungalows
Bungalows are a type of house that is usually single story or one and a half stories. Most bungalows in the area feature smaller layouts, but there are bungalows that can be quite large. Bungalows are desirable for those who prefer bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms all on one floor, but many also feature finished "attics" that have become a master bedroom or more. There are pockets of bungalows in most towns in the area. Some other terms you will hear associated with bungalows are "Cape Cod", "Arts and Crafts" and "Craftsman." Your realtor can help to further describe these styles within the Bungalow type.
Copyright © 2008 Main Street Realty
The content of this page was developed by Main Street Realty
and may not be copied or reproduced without permission.
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