French Provincial architecture has remained popular since it was developed in the middle ages. While other modern building styles use the term "Revival" to denote long periods of disuse, French Provincial architecture needs no such qualification. Homes throughout the french countryside are still commonly built in this style, as are many new suburban homes in the U.S. Attractive in a wide variety of settings, and always distinct amid other buildings, French Provincial homes will likely continue to be a favorite of builders well into the future.
Houses are especially suited to the French Provincial look because it was created specifically for homes. The style originated in France during the reign of Louis XIV in the mid-1600s as a preferred method of constructing rural manor homes. Built to be comfortable, these homes were always large, and defined by symmetry and balance. Large rectangular front doors in arched openings acted as a central anchor, with the home carefully modeled on either side. Due to their large size, French Provincial homes were often comprised of a central hall and two identical wings. Other defining features of these buildings are typically a steep, hipped roof, large shuttered windows, and second story windows that break through the cornice and rise above the eaves. Unlike Normandy homes, French Provincial homes do not have towers.
Many of the building features used in French Provincial homes can be traced even further back into the Middle Ages. The style essentially represents a transition from farm life to a more residential rural lifestyle, and it quietly developed as people occupied the french countryside. Early homes in this form included space for livestock on the first floor, while farmers lived on the second floor. This layout required a larger than usual second floor, and was the reason high pitched roofs with big windows in the eaves became the norm with this style.
Today's French Provincial homes are largely the same as the earliest versions. Easily identifiable by wide, symmetrical layouts and and steep roofs, these homes make a striking addition to any residential area in which they appear. The style is a natural fit for new developments where larger, more classically designed homes are in demand, and has become almost trendy in recent years. Golf course developments, especially, have seen a rise in French Provincial construction on larger properties.
Builders and home owners in search of a reliable, vintage look that's adaptable to modern standards will enjoy the French Provincial style. It's been around for centuries, and it's still as popular as ever.
Related Articles
Top 10 Things to Consider in a New House Plan
By: Todd Fratzel | 07/01/2007 | Home Improvement
Top 10 Things to consider in choosing a new house plan. Topics include house style, number of levels, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, master bathroom suite, bonus rooms, kitchens, floor plans, functionality and lot layout.
Territorial Architecture in Santa Fe
By: Jason Couillard | 26/11/2007 | Real Estate
Santa Fe, New Mexico is home to some of the finest examples of Territorial architecture, one of the best known Old West building styles. Like Pueblo Revival architecture, the Territorial style combines many historic building techniques with modern touches, and its prevalence in Santa Fe has helped the city become a hot spot of southwest architecture.
The Lasting Appeal of a Bungalow
By: Anne Eliason | 16/01/2008 | Real Estate
Bungalow-style homes are popular around the world because they're so adaptable - they work just as well in luxury planned communities as in affordable urban areas, often with little or no change to the floor plan.
The Unique Appeal of French Creole Homes
By: Kevin Kling | 02/01/2008 | Real Estate
French Creole architecture is one of the most prominent building styles of the Old South. This stately form is recognizable on homes of all sizes, and immediately evokes the South's vibrant past. Although it is called "French" Creole, the style draws from a mix of other cultures, including Spanish, African, and Native American.
Shutters And Blinds For Windows
By: Leroy K. Calstard | 30/01/2007 | Home Improvement
Interior shutters are a great option for a window treatment. Though not as popular as the curtain, drape or blind, shutters can add a unique touch to any room. They can also be used in conjunction with other forms of window treatments.
They can be used in living...
Kids Wall Murals - How to Create a Whole New Magical World
By: Terry Edwards | 15/09/2007 | Home Improvement
Kids' wall murals can take any child on a magical trip into a whole new world. A world where they can turn their fantasies into hours of playful memories. Regardless of what your child enjoys, a wall mural can be created for it. Here are some tips to get you started.
Three Things you Should Know About Installing Hardwood Flooring in your Home
By: My Dream Home Registry | 02/01/2008 | Interior Design
While it is not necessarily the most inexpensive of the flooring options available on the market today, hardwood floors are certainly one of the simplest and most lovely options available. Wood matches just about everything, and you don' have to worry about vacuuming or those nasty smells that just won't seem to leave carpet. It is an effective option for floor covering and if you take care of your hardwood floors, they will last you a very long time.
How to Make a Perfect Home
By: Tatiya Tatiyasopon | 03/03/2008 | Home and Family
A well furnished home is a pleasant site that attracts visitors towards itself. However, if you are going forward to get your home a makeover, a good home decorator will certainly help you in providing amazing furniture and furnishing options so as to get you the best home at affordable price. While going for a home makeover, make sure you have a certain idea about the kind of home you are looking for.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing lima beans
By: steven | 26-07-2008
how long do i blanch my limas to freeze them
Why watermelons split before they are ripe? I ...
By: Isis Alvarado | 25-07-2008
Why watermelons split before they are ripe?
I planted watermelons from seeds before and this is the first time it happens. The first watrmelon grew normal big, and beautyful, it was red and sweet. There are three left on the vine after the last two split and are barely pink, turning red in the center. why is that?
Cucumber plants developing yellowing and burnt edges around leaf perimeter
By: dudette | 25-07-2008
Hello.
I have cucumber plants growing in long planters on a balcony.
The leaves at one point looked quite healthy, but then I noticed that there is extreme yellowing with also burnt-like edges developing all around the outer part of the leaves. The inside of the leaf is still extremely green. The plants are not producing flowers yet, for they are not old enough.
I have also used a bit of lime, in the soil (just a sprinkle on the earth, and not the leaves). When they were also planted, I used black earth, with compost, mixed with peat moss. There is also one drainage hole on the bottom of the planter. The plants also get quite a bit of sun (about 5 hours). I've also noticed that there can be a good wind, on the balcony, when storms come by.
Can they be showing signs of wind damage?
Are they experiencing low nutrients in the soil, because they are in planters? Should I use 15-30-15 fertilizer, or will this burn them because of the extra lime put in?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thankyou.
I have bumble bees in the back yrad where the dogs ...
By: ronandamy | 25-07-2008
I have bumble bees in the back yrad where the dogs go out. Is there anything that I can kill the bees with that will not harm my dogs? I think they(the bees) are in the ground nesting...
I have a female dog that was in heat for the last ...
By: ronandamy | 25-07-2008
I have a female dog that was in heat for the last 4-5 weeks I thought she was done. Then this morning she and one of my male dogs were hooked up outside this morning. Can she get pregnant if she is not in heat?
Pork shoulder tri tip
By: Tina | 24-07-2008
how to cook pork shoulder tri tip in the oven
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Real Estate Articles
Finding Foreclosure Help When You Need it
By: Jon Arnold | 08/08/2008
If you need foreclosure help, do not delay in getting the help you need as quickly as you can. You have rights but the best thing you can do is act quickly before foreclosure proceedings get too far down the path.
Golf Real Estate in Arizona Offers Amazing Opportunities
By: Anita | 08/08/2008
Golf enthusiasts are amazed by the offerings found in Arizona. Choose from hundreds of master-planned communities or resorts. Tour Arizona's rugged backcountry or take in the sights of Phoenix, one of the nation's largest cities.
Energy Off the Grid
By: Mark Hostetler | 08/08/2008
With solar power being such a new idea, many states have not yet got around to regulating the specifics for a 'solar' contractor. However, there is a renewable energy incentive program for every state and this would be a good place to start. There is also a web site for solar energy trade groups, which lists contractors.
Considering Buying a Home? Think FHA!
By: Marlon Baugh | 08/08/2008
If you are considering purchasing a home, but you are having problems coming up with the necessary down payment, then FHA has your answer. FHA loans were once only considered for low to moderate income individuals, this however is not the case. If you are buying a primary residence and...
Building and Buying Homes in Our New Favorite Color "Green"
By: Carey Frankel | 08/08/2008
Building and buying homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious is what seems to be on a lot of people's mind. More and more buyers are becoming aware of the advantages of building and buying green homes. Find out who is building green homes, programs that are available, what green features to look for when buying your next home, and how to improve your home's efficiency.
Gurgaon's Progressing Real Estate
By: George Gonigal | 08/08/2008
Gurgaon is the most popular suburb in the national capital region. Gurgaon properties are always in demand and people are always in search to buy property there.
Kolkata Real Estate- Following Metro Trends
By: George Gonigal | 08/08/2008
Real estate in Kolkata is undergoing industrial and residential development since long. Trying to catch up with the trends in other metro cities Kolkata is also opening doors to modern day real estate constructions.
Panama Real Estate – Unique Investment in a Growing Country!
By: Clint Jhonson | 08/08/2008
Panama is one of the most beautiful and well-developed countries in Latin America. A country with a rich history, Panama is all about culture, civilization and wildlife. Panama property has captured the eye of keen investors and those looking for a second home. The present prices are low enough for every person to afford a property in this marvelous state.
More from Jim Hirschman
Get Poor Quick With Real Estate
By: Jim Hirschman | 30/05/2008 | Real Estate
YOU can become RICH with REAL ESTATE!!! Live the life you want with REAL ESTATE! Come to my seminar on how to MAKE MONEY from REAL ESTATE!!! OMG! WTF! BBQ!
The Importance of a Pest Inspection
By: Jim Hirschman | 30/05/2008 | Tools and Equipment
The excitement of buying a new home and the desire to save money can lead the potential homeowner down a dark, crumbling drywall road. Some people think that a pest inspection is an unnecessary and costly step in the home buying process, especially if neighboring houses don't have a problem or the owner swears upon the sanctity of their mother's grave that there are no bug problems. However, I believe that it is a lot more costly to pay to evict two million tiny squatters and repair the damage t
Bring the Chickens Home to Roost
By: Jim Hirschman | 30/04/2008 | Pets
The best part is the fresh eggs that your chickens will lay for you. Imagine collecting your Sunday morning omelet fixings right from the backyard. Some studies suggest that free-range hens with access to pasture produce eggs with less cholesterol and saturated fat and more beta carotene, omega-3 and vitamins A and E.
Have a Home You Can Feel Safe in
By: Jim Hirschman | 23/04/2008 | Real Estate
Whether or not the world is getting more dangerous is debatable. However, the safety of your family should always be an issue of concern, and rightly so. Whether you've recently experienced a break in or are just anxious about leaving your children home alone, there are many things you can do to improve security around the house. While nothing is completely fool proof or guaranteed, making a few changes can go a long way in deterring would-be troublemakers and give you some peace of mind.
Sarasota's "land Rush"
By: Jim Hirschman | 04/03/2008 | Real Estate
It's a seller's market in Sarasota! Home owners will not often read this piece of advice in the current situation - but here it is: if you are thinking of selling your home in Sarasota, now is a good time to list it! There are buyers waiting to snap up homes in this Florida paradise. This is an unusual situation and begs the question: Why does Sarasota miss the realty doldrums?
Florida's First Time Buyer Incentives
By: Jim Hirschman | 04/03/2008 | Real Estate
Florida has been labeled a progressive state before, when it introduced radical 'green' measures throughout the state, but this time its innovative idea is to offer help to first time buyers. Florida has recognized that younger people are being pushed out of the housing market, and are trying to rectify this with fairly substantial financial incentives.
Check Out the Hoa of your Florida Condo Before you Buy
By: Jim Hirschman | 18/02/2008 | Real Estate
According to several reports, 2008 may be the year to buy into the sunshine state of Florida. Approximately 35,000 new condo units are either completed or about to be completed and so far the number of units sold is down 29% from last year.
South West Florida's Realty is on the Move
By: Jim Hirschman | 30/01/2008 | Real Estate
The realty market in Sarasota and South West Florida looks like it is picking up faster than the national average. Since November, when agents sold twice as many existing single-family homes as in Miami, the market has showed continued signs of stabilizing.
Finance 
