Visit Jim Hirschman's website for more tips on buying and selling homes in the Sarasota real estate area. You can compare local listings, learn about Jim's professional realty services, and read extensive information on property markets near Sarasota, like the Palmer Ranch real estate area.
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 Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Want to Give a New Look to your Home Designs?
- Design Alternatives Offers Home Building Suggestions for Your Custom Home Design
- Custom House Plans – Finding Quality Custom Home Design With Design Alternatives
- New Home Design Trends in Different Regions
- How is Home Design Related to Home Security?
- Custom Home Design and Building Services
- Home Design Plans
- Spanning Out To Your Garden To Enhance Your Home Design
Mortgage Comparisons – the way to find best Mortgage Deal
By: Chris Cornell | 25/12/2009If you are looking for the best deal on a new mortgage you know that the search can be a difficult one with literally hundreds of opportunities available. The purpose of refinancing a mortgage is to lower your monthly repayment, preferably at a lower interest rate, and you want a company with a solid reputation.
Miami Condos – Choices, Features and Buying Considerations
By: Mark Ferrer | 25/12/2009Miami condos are some of the premier properties in Miami. Aside from having a plenty of on-site amenities, most of them are located in several sought-after locations. When you are planning to purchase yourself a unit, be sure to consider these several considerations.
The Appeal of Living in Miami Homes
By: Mark Ferrer | 25/12/2009Miami is one of the globally well-known cities for its importance in several different sectors, including commerce, media, entertainment and the arts, and finance. And when it comes to finance, Miami homes are the leading reasons why plenty of people are flocking into this urbanized metro. So if you're planning to relocate, why swap those shoes for some sandals here at Miami?
Fighting Foreclosure To Win!
By: Upperhouse Enterprises | 25/12/2009The average homeowner has no knowledge of the regulations or laws that govern the financial institutions that are currently holding their loans.
Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures Flipping Slip-ups You Must Avoid
By: Mark Ferrer | 24/12/2009Investing is one of the main reasons why any people are looking into the Fort Lauderdale foreclosures market. There are simply plenty of affordable properties that can be easily turned into investment homes. And one of the best ways to turn properties into investments is to ‘flip’ them. Flipping is probably as old as the real estate bubble or older but it still makes wave. And what’s older than flipping? Flipping mistakes. And here are some you should avoid.
Homes for Sale Staging Basics: Roof Diagnostics
By: Mark Ferrer | 24/12/2009One of the most important parts of the house that you should deeply care about when putting up your homes for sale is the roof. Not only is it structurally important to maintain the excellent condition of the roof but a good roof also improves your home’s curb appeal. And when it’s time to stage your home, look at these tell-tale signs that the roof needs some precious attention.
Key Biscayne Real Estate – Family-friendly Homes and Locations
By: Mark Ferrer | 24/12/2009The quiet community of Key Biscayne is the perfect setting if you are planning to start a family. This island a few miles off mainland is filled with several properties that are quite attractive and will certainly fit your future lifestyle. Key Biscayne real estate properties offer plenty of varied options from single-family homes and condos.
Debunking the Myths: Why a Real Estate Agent is a Girls Best Freind
By: Christine Stow | 24/12/2009Property Investing is not always easy. Real Estate Agents are often the villains in the process of buying or selling. However, approached the correct way- they can be your best friend. Christine Stow of Women in Property Melbourne explains why.
Get Poor Quick With Real Estate
By: Jim Hirschman | 30/05/2008 | Real EstateYOU 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 & EquipmentThe 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 | PetsThe 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 EstateWhether 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 EstateIt'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 EstateFlorida 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 EstateAccording 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 EstateThe 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.