Old Southern Plantation House Plans

Old Southern Plantation House Plans: A Journey Through History

The grand old plantation houses of the American South are iconic symbols of a bygone era. These stately homes, with their sprawling verandas, tall columns, and intricate detailing, evoke images of a time when cotton was king and the landed gentry ruled the day. Plantation houses were typically built in the Greek Revival or antebellum styles. Greek Revival houses are characterized by their symmetrical facades, pedimented gables, and Doric columns. Antebellum houses are more elaborate, with intricate detailing, such as scrollwork, balustrades, and ironwork. No matter their style, plantation houses were always designed to impress. The grandest homes had two stories, with a central hall that ran the length of the house. The hall was flanked by formal rooms, such as the parlor, dining room, and library. The bedrooms were located on the second floor. Plantation houses were also designed to be self-sufficient. They had their own kitchens, gardens, and workshops. Some even had their own schools and churches. The plantation house was the center of social life in the antebellum South. It was a place where the planter and his family entertained guests, held parties, and conducted business. It was also a place where the slaves who worked the plantation lived and worked. The plantation house was a symbol of power and privilege in the antebellum South. It was a place where the planter could live in luxury and comfort, while the slaves who worked the land toiled in poverty. Today, many old plantation houses have been restored and are open to the public. They offer a glimpse into a bygone era and a reminder of the complex history of the American South.

Some Notable Old Southern Plantation House Plans:

The Hermitage:

The home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, The Hermitage is a Greek Revival mansion located in Nashville, Tennessee. *

Tara:

The fictional plantation house from the novel and film Gone with the Wind, Tara is based on a real plantation house called Twelve Oaks. *

Oak Alley Plantation:

Located in Vacherie, Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation is a Greek Revival mansion known for its long alley of oak trees. *

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens:

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Magnolia Plantation is a National Historic Landmark, consisting of a main house, gardens, and a rice plantation. *

Nottoway Plantation:

Located in White Castle, Louisiana, Nottoway Plantation is a Greek Revival mansion known for its large size and elaborate detailing. These are just a few examples of the many beautiful old plantation houses that can be found in the American South. These homes are a testament to the skill of the architects and builders who created them, and they offer a glimpse into a bygone era.