New England isn’t just known for its weather and beautiful foliage. It’s also known for its beautiful, iconic, and often historic homes. Massachusetts has over 400 years of architectural history, and there are many who might be looking to buy a home who are interested in a specific style.
It seems like a minor thing to consider advertising, but really, knowing the style of the home you’re selling is nearly as important as how many bathrooms and square footage it has.
Here are some of the most common and recognizable styles seen in Massachusetts.
Cape Cod
One of America’s oldest house styles, it was popular from the 1600s through the 1840s and witnessed a revival in the 1930s. Usually featuring a symmetrical design, these on-and-a-half story houses have a floor plan anchored by a center hall running the width of the home. Older Cape houses are on the smaller side, but more recently they’ve become larger with additional wings and dormers added on to increase living space.
Queen Anne/Victorian
Potentially one of the most iconic of the styles, Victorian homes bring to mind fancy doll houses and gingerbread creations. These homes are not for the minimalist; sprawling designs with multiple stories, turrets, non-symmetrical layouts, bay windows, and balconies are prominent features for a Victorian house. These houses are fantastic for buyers who appreciate history and don’t mind some potential architectural quirks.
Colonial
The Colonial style house isn’t just one of the most popular styles in New England – it’s popular all throughout the United States. Originating in New England in the 18th century, these two- or three-story homes have a symmetrical floor plan featuring four equal-sized rooms on the first floor and four rooms on the second.
Ranch
One of the more modern styles of homes, a house like this is quite common in the suburbs. When people think of a ranch house, they know they’re getting a single-story house, usually with a basement and attached garage. They’re often simple, streamlined in style, and feature an L-shaped floor plan. Quite often there are rear doors that lead to an outdoor patio area, making them popular for homeowners who enjoy outdoor entertaining.
Split-Level
Also known as the split-entry or tri-level, the split level house gained popularity in the 1950s as a modification of the ranch house. They were designed with the purpose of separating the formal, informal, and sleeping areas of the house. Your basic split-level has the main living room, dining room, and kitchen on the second level, with bedrooms in a separate wing on the same level. The lower level typically features a finished basement that acts as a family room or den, and additional storage or recreational spaces.
Massachusetts has an abundance of home styles buyers can choose from, so be sure to recognize the style you’re selling. It could be what finalizes your sale!
Categorised in: Real Estate, Real Estate Tips