Definition
Southern Colonial: A Southern Colonial is an early-American architectural style characterized by large, 2- or 3-story frame houses with a prominent colonnade that extends across the front of the building. Descriptive of grandeur and symmetry, the roof of these houses extends over the colonnade, typically supported by classic columns mimicking Greek or Roman styles. The design often includes large, distinctive windows and decorative shutters.
Examples
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Drayton Hall: This house, located in South Carolina, is one of the finest examples of the Southern Colonial style, featuring a grand façade with a full colonnade extending across the front, supported by iconic Corinthian columns.
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Boone Hall Plantation: Situated in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, this property tantalizes the eyes with its grand, sweeping, and dignified architecture typical of Southern Colonial homes.
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Mount Vernon: The home of George Washington in Virginia showcases the distinct Southern Colonial architectural features: majestic colonnades, high ceilings, and symmetrically aligned windows and doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the identifying features of Southern Colonial homes?
Southern Colonial homes are characterized by grandiose facades, tall columns, symmetrical windows, wide eaves, and an expansive colonnade that stretches across the front of the home.
Are Southern Colonial homes the same as Greek Revival homes?
Southern Colonial homes bear some stylistic similarities with Greek Revival homes, particularly in the use of columns and symmetrical design. However, Southern Colonial homes typically emphasize grandeur and historical context unique to early America.
Where are Southern Colonial homes most commonly found?
These architectural gems are commonly found in the Southeastern United States, especially in states like South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia, which were key areas during the colonial period.
Are Southern Colonial homes energy-efficient?
Traditional Southern Colonial homes are not designed with modern energy efficiency in mind. However, with appropriate renovations such as updated windows, insulation, and heating or cooling systems, energy efficiency can be significantly improved.
Can Southern Colonial homes be modernized without losing their historic appeal?
Yes, it is possible to update Southern Colonial homes to accommodate modern living standards while preserving historical details. Thoughtful renovations and the use of period-appropriate materials can maintain both function and aesthetic integrity.
Related Terms
- Colonial Architecture: Refers broadly to homes influenced by the early American colonial period, including distinctive styles such as Georgian, Cape Cod, and Dutch Colonial.
- Greek Revival: An architectural style inspired by ancient Greek designs, frequently including tall, bold columns and symmetrical structures.
- Antebellum Architecture: Often overlaps with Southern Colonial, referencing the grandiose architectural styles of homes built in the Southern United States before the Civil War.
- Federal Style: An American architectural style that gained prominence after the Revolutionary War, marked by symmetry, plain surfaces, and minimally adorned exteriors.
- Neoclassical Architecture: A broader architectural style that looks back to classical Greek and Roman design principles, encompassing a variety of forms including monumental buildings and residential homes.
Online Resources
- National Trust for Historic Preservation: Includes listings of historical properties, including Southern Colonial homes, with detailed architectural descriptions.
- Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS): Contains photographs and detailed descriptions of Southern Colonial properties.
- Architectural Digest: Features articles and pictorial content on historical and modern applications of Southern Colonial architecture.
References
- A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester, which provides comprehensive descriptions of various American home styles, including Southern Colonial.
- American Architecture: A History by Leland M. Roth, offering a historical overview and in-depth information on different architectural styles in the United States.
- The Classical American House by Philip and Susan Isaacson, detailing the influence of classical styles on American residential architecture, including the Southern Colonial style.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Splendor of the Southern Colonial House by William S. Clardy
- Southern Homes and Planters by J. Parker Read
- Antebellum Architecture of the South by Minnie Rhodes Thompson
- American Colonial Architecture: Its Design and Construction by George V. Chastain
