Common Architectural Styles In Southwest Florida

Florida has one of the oldest and richest histories in the entire country.

So many cities and communities here have historical buildings, and the newly built ones inspired by the architectural styles here. It isn’t just the years that has influenced the home designs here, but also the people, the landscape, the weather, and the inspiration of the past.

Southwest Florida has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the state, with the wetlands, grasslands, sandy beaches, picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and more.

The beauty of Southwest Florida has created a beauty in the architecture. Various property types allow for many types of home buyers to enjoy the easy going lifestyle here, but no matter if it’s a condo, a townhouse, a villa, a single family detached home, or luxury beachfront estate, the design will be distinct.

For prospective home buyers interested in a specific type of home, it helps so much to have a dedicated agent showing them where to look. Prices, location, property type, and style often changes from community to community, and the Key Real Estate Team knows the area like nobody else.

Here are some of the most popular architectural styles in Southwest Florida.

Mediterranean Style Homes in Southwest Florida

European-influenced architecture in general plays a very important role in Southwest Florida and Mediterranean-style might be the most prominent.

Generally speaking, mediterranean-style homes will have tiled, low pitched roofs and stucco walls. Red roofs with neutral colours found throughout the home really compliment sunny weather, and Southwest Florida weather is hard to beat.

The interior decoration often features arched doorways, keystone, and symmetrical layouts.

Spanish Style Homes in Southwest Florida

Mediterranean-style houses are popular here in Southwest Florida, but Spanish-style might be equally so. They are very similar, but there are distinct differences.

Spanish-style has flat roofs with clay tiling, as well as terra cotta additions to the exterior as well. Small-sized balconies are common with the Spanish-style, sometimes with several on the same property.

Spanish-style is a very common style of home in Southwest Florida residential streets, but also in the multi-million dollar luxury beachfront properties.

Coastal Contemporary Style Homes in Southwest Florida

With an emphasis on large windows to allow for natural light, it’s no wonder that contemporary homes are popular in Southwest Florida.

Contemporary homes, made popular in the 60s and 70s, often have clean lines and smooth textures. Open interiors allow for comfortable living, and coastal contemporary is slightly different to completely enjoy the lifestyle that Florida offers.

Floor to ceiling windows makes the space feel that much more open, ideal for taking in the views of palm trees, sandy beaches, and navy blue water.

Victorian Style Homes in Southwest Florida

Victorian style homes are common in the historical communities of Southwest Florida, and in many of the cities further north, like Fort Myers.

Victorian-style homes were beautifully built years ago and have plenty of character because of it. They are actually so visually appealing, the look is still being created today in newly constructed homes in Southwest Florida.

Victorian homes have a narrow, tall design that also allows many properties to be included in a neighborhood. Many villas and townhouses in Southwest Florida were built with a Victoria design.

Often built with brick or stone, it’s the little details that truly make these homes stand out, from the bannister trim, to the delicately crafted porch rails.

Ranch Style Homes in Southwest Florida

Ranch-style homes have one level, often with a finished basement, and have an attached garage.

Ranch homes are found throughout Southwest Florida in most of the communities and areas. Most are located inland, where there is more space to build these spacious homes that often have generous yards.

Many seniors look for ranch-style homes first because the layouts make it extremely easy to move within the home.

Old Florida Style Homes in Southwest Florida

The architectural style in Southwest Florida is so eclectic that they’ve also happened to develop a style named after them, and one found throughout the state.

Old Florida style is the result of all of these influences coming together to create something wholly original. Metal, steep pitched roofs, shaded patios, high ceilings, and raised areas often supported by piers and beams are all common features of Old Florida style architecture.

Beach Style Homes in Southwest Florida

There are many beach houses for sale in Southwest Florida.

Many of the seaside homes in communities like Estero and Marco Island are massive, luxury estate homes, but there are still many areas where beach homes can be found.

These beautiful properties that exemplify everything there is to love about the Florida lifestyle have common features and looks. These homes that are often raised to avoid rising tide water will have wide eaves, colorful paint schemes, and long porches that sometimes even wrap around the entire house.

If you're interested in buying a home in Southwest Florida, get in touch with the Key Real Estate Team online, or call 239-312-3120 today!