Picture stepping through a stucco archway and lingering in the tiled courtyard, and you might think you were in Old Mexico. Spanish inspired homes embrace the entire Mediterranean world and combine it with ideas from Southwest Pueblo Indians.
In Southern California, these homes are usually described as Spanish Colonial Revival. This would reflect the historic Spanish architecture from as far back as the missions built along the coast.
Virginia and Lee McAlester, authors of A Field Guide to American Houses, characterize Spanish Eclectic homes as having the features listed below.
Spanish inspired houses usually have these features:
* Low-pitched roof
* Red roof tiles
* Little or no overhanging eaves
* Stucco siding
* Arches, especially above doors, porch entries and main windows
Some Spanish inspired homes have:
* Asymmetrical shape with cross-gables and side wings
* Flat roof and parapets
* Or, a hipped roof
* Carved doors
* Spiral columns and pilasters
* Courtyards
* Carved stonework or cast ornaments
* Patterned tile floors and wall surfaces
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