What Is A Plantation Style Home

What Is A Plantation Style Home?

Plantation style homes are a type of American architecture that originated in the antebellum South. They are typically large, two-story homes with a wide front porch and a symmetrical facade. Plantation homes are often built with brick or wood, and they may have a variety of features such as columns, balconies, and pediments.

The plantation style home was developed in the early 19th century, and it was influenced by a variety of architectural styles, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate. Plantation homes were designed to reflect the wealth and status of their owners, and they were often built on large plantations where cotton, tobacco, or other crops were grown.

Today, plantation style homes are still popular in the South, and they can be found in both urban and rural areas. They are often used as homes for families, and they may also be used as bed and breakfasts, restaurants, or other businesses.

Essential Aspects of a Plantation Style Home

There are several essential aspects that define a plantation style home. These include:

Size: Plantation homes are typically large, two-story homes with at least 2,000 square feet of living space.
Wide Front Porch: The wide front porch is one of the most distinctive features of a plantation home. It is often used for entertaining guests or relaxing on a warm summer evening.
Symmetrical Facade: The facade of a plantation home is typically symmetrical, with the front door in the center and windows on either side.
Columns: Columns are often used on the front porch and other parts of the exterior of a plantation home. They can be made of wood, brick, or stone.
Balconies: Balconies are another common feature of plantation homes. They are often located on the second floor and can be accessed from the bedrooms.
Pediments: Pediments are triangular-shaped gables that are often found on the front of a plantation home. They can be decorated with carvings or other embellishments.

Variations of Plantation Style Homes

There are several different variations of the plantation style home. These include:

Raised Cottage: The raised cottage is a type of plantation home that is raised off the ground on piers. This type of home is common in areas that are prone to flooding.
Dogtrot House: The dogtrot house is a type of plantation home that has two separate buildings connected by a breezeway. This type of home is common in areas with hot climates.
Townhouse: The townhouse is a type of plantation home that is located in a town or city. This type of home is typically narrower and taller than other types of plantation homes.

Conclusion

The plantation style home is a beautiful and distinctive type of American architecture. It is a symbol of the wealth and status of the antebellum South, and it continues to be a popular home style today.