An Architectural Style Guide for Venice, FL
Posted by Tracy Jones on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at 10:52am.
In the 1920’s, when famous city planner John Nolen designed Venice, Florida, he wanted the focus to be on residential. 100 years later, even with the gorgeous beaches and palm trees, it’s the housing that stands out as the most exciting feature of the city.
Join us as we explore just a few of the favorite architectural styles you’ll commonly find on the market in Venice, Florida -- and why many consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Spanish-Style Homes
Florida was the site of many of America’s very first European settlements, which has meant hundreds of years of Spanish Colonial architectural influence.
The Spanish style-homes in Venice look much different than they would have 500 years ago, but the characteristics can still be found all over. The mediterranean design features of these homes typically feature arched doorways, terracotta and red barrel tiled roofs, smooth tile or stucco exteriors, and often feature a patio or balcony to truly enjoy that famous Florida weather.
The Florida Bungalow
These smaller, cottage-style homes have been the dream of home-buyers since the early 1900’s.
The open layout of a bungalow offers plenty of space, with connecting rooms and balanced proportions. The bungalows found in Venice, Florida are typically one story. A distinctive feature of a bungalow -- perfect for additional space -- are the distinctive verandas, the large front porches with strong eaves.
Bungalows typically feature plenty of windows to let the natural Florida light in to warm and fill the space. Most did not have air conditioning when originally built, thus good ventilation through abundant windows was important.
Cape-Cod Style Architecture
The Cape Cod-style home is one of the most recognizable home styles in the United States, and one that never seems to go out of style.
Even though this type of architecture originated in the New England area, Venice, Florida has plenty of incredible Cape Cod-style homes.
These cottage style homes are rectangular in shape, and smaller in size, with low ceilings, a classically steep pitched roof, and shuttered windows.
The cozy feeling and simple layout of a Cape Cod home is exactly why home buyers continue to look for them.
Fascinating Colonial-Style Real Estate
The Colonial-style home is one of the most recognizable in the country.
Colonial homes are often simple, but extremely impressive. They are rectangular in shape, symmetrical in design, and commonly reach three stories tall. Their familiar shuttered windows allow views and light into most rooms in the house, which are often distinctly divided.
The Colonial home will typically have a chimney, a pitched roof, and a fireplace -- for a timeless look and way of living.
Key West Style Homes
Key West style homes are popular in Southwest Florida due to our proximity to Key West and the Florida Keys. Great examples of Key West style homes can be found in Eagle Point Club in Venice, Florida. Some common features are two stories, ornate lattice work, and bright pastel colors such as yellow and white. Large front porches and verandahs make the homes very inviting. The strong protective shutters now have been replaced with more decorative shutters with the invention of hurricane impact glass.
The Always Popular Traditional Ranch
A traditional ranch-style house is the dream of many, and always a sought after place to live.
Much like the bungalow-style, ranch-style homes are usually single story with an open floor concept and a devoted patio space. The distinctive elements of the traditional ranch-style would be a low roof with wide eaves, an attached garage, and a sliding glass door that opens to an extended patio space, or even a backyard.
Stylish Mid-Century Modern Property
Mid-century modern is a difficult term to define, but that’s also why it’s such a desirable style of home.
Although the features of a mid-century modern home can vary greatly, there are a few key elements found in each one. The planes and lines of the house are commonly straight, which is why they will typically have a flat roof. Sliding glass doors and large windows allow a comfort to and from the indoor and outdoor living areas, allowing for plenty of natural light to spill inside.
The design of the home is often built with the surrounding nature in mind, which can mean unique and partial interior walls and cabinetry inside.
Mid-century modern targets function over form, but the individualistic features still allow for plenty of personalization. Famous architect Paul Rudolph designed a number of homes in Venice and Sarasota which are still standing today.
Are you interested in learning more about the city of Venice in beautiful Southwest Florida? Please contact Gulf Shores Realty online or call 941.488.6644 to learn more!