Many who have traveled to the Mediterranean have lamented that they don’t want to go home when the vacation is over. The charm of the Spanish countryside or Italian seaside are hard to depart from. The appeal of the Mediterranean led many to bring the style they encountered abroad home with them to the United States. This is especially evident in Mediterranean revival architecture. The design style peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, but it is still extremely popular today. The style draws heavily on the architecture of palaces and seaside villas, and was easily incorporated into the rapidly expanding coastal resorts of California and Florida.
There are several key elements of Mediterranean revival architecture. One immediately noticeable style marker is the red tiled roof. Modeled after Spanish and Mexican missions, these fireproof tiles shed water easily and offer protection against the summer heat. Our listing at Whitley Avenue provides a superb example of this gorgeous roof style. Stucco walls, common in Mediterranean climates, offer excellent protection from the elements and are also commonly found in this style. They are also an attractive alternative to brick and provide a great canvas for adding color to a home.
Arches are commonly seen in this style of design. This self supporting element, which dates back to Roman times, creates sturdy walls. Stones next to the keystone in the arch atop the side columns distributes weight and provide an attractive focal point.
Ornamental details provide elegance and a “wow” factor to these homes. Heavy wooden doors, wrought iron balconies, and inviting courtyards all help bring the feel of the Mediterranean home. This lovely balcony at Hidden Valley shows how inviting a balcony in a charming Mediterranean revival home can be.
Maybe you can’t vacation in the Mediterranean every year, but you can live like a Mediterranean everyday in one of these beautiful homes! What is your favorite part ofMediterranean revival architecture?