Charming colonial style houses are quintessential historic homes that offer both beauty and practicality. Known for their simple, symmetrical shapes and practical floor plans, these classic American homes remain popular choices for many homebuyers. Their rich history, delightful curb appeal, and family-friendly layouts make them enduring real estate gems.
If you’re looking to buy a colonial style house immersed in old-world charm, be sure to check listings in historic districts. Properties in these neighborhoods retain their vintage architecture and showcase original colonial style details. From proper fenestration to winding staircases, historic colonials give you the chance to own a piece of the past.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes colonial style houses so appealing. We’ll also highlight the top property listings for charming colonials in historic neighborhoods across America. Let’s dive into these quintessential homes and where to find the best options on the market!
Charming Colonial Style Houses - Discover the Best Property Listings in the Historic District
What Defines the Colonial House Style?
Colonial style houses reflect 18th-century architecture from the Colonial era in America. Most originate from English and Dutch colonial settlements along the Eastern Seaboard. These classic homes eventually spread westward and remain popular today.
Several signature features define the traditional colonial style:
- Symmetrical Façade - The front façade features a centered door flanked by an equal number of windows on both sides. This creates visual harmony and balance.
- Rectangular Shape - Colonials are simple rectangles without irregular shapes or angles. The rectangular footprint provided efficient use of interior space.
- Two Stories - They typically stand two stories high with a sturdy appearance. Some variations include 2.5 stories or 1.5 stories with a dormered attic.
- Steep Pitched Roof - A steep, gabled roof allows for spacious attics and upper half-story rooms. Wood shingles were common originally but later gave way to other roof materials.
- Multi-Pane Windows - Windows with many small panes, or lights, became a signature of colonial style. Nine, twelve, or sixteen-pane configurations provided insulation and decorative trim.
- Accent Features - Decorative details like crown molding, pilasters, and ornate front doors embellish many colonials with extra charm.
Over time, colonials expanded from simple folk houses to grand manor homes. Yet they retain signature symmetry and practicality. The basic rectangular shape remains adaptable and desirable for modern living.
Why Opt for a Colonial House?
Colonial style houses offer numerous benefits for homeowners:
Timeless Curb Appeal
The handsome façade and stately styling give colonials refined aesthetic charm. They work well surrounded by lush gardens or paired with white picket fences. Their striking symmetry and ornate accents like swan’s neck pediments or fanlight windows make them magnets for admiring eyes.
Versatile Floor Plans
Simple boxy shapes allow for customized interior layouts. The rectangular footprint can accommodate everything from open-concept interiors to mazelike plans with small private spaces. There’s ample space for bedrooms, multi-purpose areas, and modern amenities.
Abundant Natural Light
Large windows, transom windows above doors, and bright skylights allow plentiful light. Sunbeams showcase vintage architectural details. Bright common rooms prevent gloom despite the traditional style.
Cozy Elegance
Intimate formal spaces like dining rooms and sitting parlors contrast with relaxed family rooms and casual eat-in kitchens. Period trim, fireplace mantels, and built-in cabinets add polish. The versatile interiors suit both elegant entertaining and laid-back living.
Family Friendly
Multi-purpose family spaces, sprawling backyards, and plenty of bedrooms make colonials perfect for raising families. The timeless style also appeals to young homebuyers and couples starting. Their practicality suits owners in any stage of life.
Investment Potential
In real estate, colonial style homes deliver excellent value. Their enduring popularity ensures strong demand, quick sales, and high prices. Ownership can mean enjoying immediate benefits plus long-term equity growth.
For those seeking historic homes brimming with charm, colonials check all the boxes. Let’s look at how to find the best examples located in America’s historic districts.
Colonial Style Houses in Historic Districts
To locate quality colonials with vintage architectural details intact, historic neighborhoods should top your list.
Property listings in these protected areas ensure an authentic colonial living experience. Location within a historic district provides two major benefits:
Preservation Incentives
Zoning regulations prohibit altering exterior features without review. This preserves original doors, windows, porches, and other details. Homeowners can access tax credits for restoration work.
Community Charm
Historic districts retain a distinct sense of place. The pleasant streetscapes and vintage buildings take you back in time. Parks, public spaces, and neighborhood events build an engaging community.
When searching listings, keep in mind larger and older cities in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the South. These were early settlement areas steeped in America’s colonial history.
Here are some top historic neighborhoods featuring stellar examples of colonial style houses:
Beacon Hill - Boston, MA
With its gas lanterns and vintage townhomes, Boston’s Beacon Hill transports you to the 19th century. Brick sidewalks and tree-lined streets set the stage for Federal and Colonial architecture.
Beacon Hill imposed strict historic guidelines in 1955. As a result, you’ll find hallowed halls like the Harrison Gray Otis House along with fully updated colonials.
Highlights include brick exteriors, decorative ironwork, and handsome front entries. Interiors blend vintage woodwork, fireplaces, and wide-plank flooring with modern updates like chef’s kitchens. Beacon Hill sets the gold standard for livable history.
Historic Annapolis - Annapolis, MD
From 1648 onward, Annapolis served as Maryland’s capital and an active seaport. Its uneven cobblestone streets and colonial architecture charm residents and tourists alike.
The city’s historic district safeguards over 160 pre-Civil War buildings. Georgian and Federal colonials mingle with Victorian homes in this seaside setting. Intricate brickwork, paneled doors, and decorative dormers capture colonial styling.
Annapolis colonials often boast amenities like private courtyards, rooftop terraces, and deluxe kitchens. Proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and a vibrant dining scene enhance Historic Annapolis’ appeal.
Society Hill - Philadelphia, PA
Regal brick townhomes line Philadelphia’s Society Hill, located along the Delaware River waterfront. Dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, these pristine buildings retain original hardware, molding, and other defining features.
Signature colonials here display imposing facades with decorative entryways. Inside, embellishments like carved fireplace mantels and ornate plaster ceilings impress. Rooftop terraces take advantage of urban views.
As America’s first World Heritage City, Philadelphia provides an iconic setting. Opulent colonials nestled amid Revolutionary War history create a one-of-a-kind backdrop.
Downtown Charleston Historic District - Charleston, SC
With its grand mansions and quaint cottages, Charleston exudes antebellum charm. The downtown historic district covers over 2,000 acres and 500 city blocks. Pink-hued Georgian row houses line picturesque lanes with overhanging trees and gardens.
Colonial details like two-tier piazzas, floor-to-ceiling shutters, and Rainbow Row’s vibrant colors paint an Instagrammable scene. Civic structures, churches, meeting halls, and open squares add historical context. Wrought iron gates and gas-lit lamps heighten the time-travel effect.
Charleston’s residential offerings range from modest starter homes to elite Southern manors. Their flawless preservation and romantic ambiance make Downtown Charleston a colonial darling.
Gaslamp Quarter - San Diego, CA
West Coast colonials get their due in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Once a notorious red light district, today it’s a trendy dining and entertainment hub. Elaborate Victorian architecture dominates but sleek colonials also occupy prime real estate.
Red brick townhomes boast outdoor living spaces like rooftop decks with downtown views. You’ll find historic arched windows and classic symmetry along with open, loft-style living.
California colonials often feature Spanish or Mediterranean elements like ceramic tile, patios, and stucco. Their juxtaposition of old and new makes Gaslamp Quarter flats highly coveted.
Hudson Square Historic District - New York, NY
In lower Manhattan, Hudson Square preserves New York’s 19th-century warehouses and printing plants. Amongst these imposing Italianate buildings, Federal style row houses charm tree-lined residential streets.
Multi-story colonials here adopt a narrow, townhome configuration. While snug in width, they stretch back to allow spacious interiors. Original exterior ironwork and stoops accompany apartment layouts with a modern flair.
Hudson Square colonials let you immerse in centuries of New York history. Just steps from Soho’s bustling energy, they provide an urban oasis.
Ready to Find Your Dream Colonial?
Colonial style houses hold enduring appeal for their stately presence and livable footprints. When searching property listings, historic neighborhoods provide premier access to period architecture.
Location within a protected historic district ensures your charming colonial maintains its vintage styling. You’ll also gain entry to an exclusive club among history aficionados.
Though prevalent along the East Coast, colonials can be found from California to the Carolinas. Each region puts its spin on symmetrical facades and rectangular shapes.
If properly maintained, a historic home becomes a legacy to pass down through generations. Let the timeless practicality and decor of the colonial style transform you into a steward of America’s architectural heritage. The past awaits you!
