Greek Revival House Plans: A Luxurious Option


Greek revival house plans rose to popularity in the 1800's. Greek revival home plans are still sought after today by many home buyers. Greek revival homes architecture started with public buildings and the style quickly gained notoriety and attention.


The first Greek revival homes in The United States appeared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then spread all across the nation. This architectural style has been called the first truly national style, because this design can be found in all fifty states and is still a very popular option even in modern times.


The large plantation houses that were prevalent in the eighteen hundreds in the southern states were often modeled after this style of architecture because of all the benefits these homes offered including style and elegance.


Greek revival home plans may also be called southern colonial architecture in the southern states, and there are some common factors that pull these designs together. Simple lines and moldings make these styles really stand out as the pinnacle of elegance and luxury. Many of these homes have ornate columns designed after Greek architecture.


President Thomas Jefferson help to make Greek revival house plans so popular, and he preferred this style because of the Greek beginnings and what this country did for democracy. With plenty of space and large rooms these homes make a great choice for any size family.


Greek Revival Homes and the History behind Them


In the Jeffersonian era, in the late 1700's and early 1800's, Greek revival homes first started appearing on the East Coast of America. At first this architecture style was only used on public buildings. This includes the year 1785 when this style of architecture was used to design the State Capitol Building for Virginia.


Using this style for homes quickly followed, and as time went by this architecture type became one of the most popular types of houses. One reason that the Greek revival style caught on so well is that Americans were fighting for democracy, something the Greeks stood for. These homes were also in demand because they were stately and luxurious.


Greek revival house plans slowly started to become less popular between the years 1850 and 1900. During this time Italian and Gothic architectural styles became the preferred designs. If you enjoy this architectural style, it's still possible to find these homes in many areas of the country.


Many farm houses across the country still have a number of design features which are commonly found in this style, and you can find these homes with a wide range of bathroom and bedroom numbers.


Typical Owners of Greek Revival Home Plans


The typical owners of Greek revival homes can vary widely. If you are looking for this style, it may be because you want a home that is large and elegant. Greek homes have exquisite details and finishing touches on both the interior and the exterior.


These homes are stately and exhibit elegance and an air of luxury that is hard to beat. The unusual large size of these houses make them expensive in some areas of the country. They can also require a lot of maintenance and cleaning to keep the homes in top condition. They may not be ideal for a single individual or a couple.


If you are considering Greek revival home plans then you are probably financially comfortable, and may have a large or extended family. Many executives and upper management professionals prefer these homes because of the elegance they possess.


The extra decorative touches really make these homes stand out and get noticed, and that is a benefit for many house hunters who are looking for this design style. If you want a home that is large and extravagant than this architecture type may be just what you are looking for!


Key Elements



Positive Features of Greek Revival House Plans


  • Simple lines
  • A shape that is symmetrical
  • Moldings which are simple yet bold
  • Gabled roof
  • Columns that may be round or square
  • Cornices which are heavy
  • Frieze that is wide and plain
  • Narrow and tall windows which surround the front door
  • Entry porch
  • Roof is usually low pitched
  • Can include parapets
  • Multiple roof lines
  • Can include one or multiple stories


Negative Features Of Greek Revival House Plans


  • Can be expensive to purchase
  • May require more upkeep
  • More cleaning may be needed due to the large size
  • Numerous entryway windows may be hard to secure
  • Repairs may be needed more frequently because of decorative touches and columns
  • Roof replacement can be expensive because of the multiple roof lines
  • Tall narrow windows may be difficult to replace if broken or damaged


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