Alabama’s homes are like a patchwork quilt of architectural styles…
As a licensed real estate agent, I share your fascination with homes and structures —
And I’ve seen the variety firsthand!
So, in this post, we’ll explore the distinct home types across our state together.
We’ll go over everything from Antebellum mansions, known for their elegance…
To Craftsman bungalows, sought after for their simplicity.
These are the designs that define Alabama’s unique neighborhoods.
By the end of this, you’ll be more familiar with each style and appreciate their role in our architectural heritage.
Let’s go!
Architectural Styles in Alabama
Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes in Alabama are easy to spot and hard to forget.
They usually have one or two stories with a low-pitched roof.
The roofs often feature wide overhanging eaves, and you might see exposed rafters or decorative brackets.
The front porches are broad and welcoming, held up by thick, tapered columns.
These homes make good use of local materials, like wood and stone, giving them a natural, earthy feel.
Inside, the craftsmanship shines with detailed woodwork, including exposed beams and built-in cabinets.
Large windows are common, filling the rooms with natural light.
Craftsman homes are all about handcrafted charm and a connection to nature!
Victorian
Victorian homes in Alabama are like stepping into a historical storybook.
Each one is a masterpiece of detailed design.
Think ornate trims, decorative corbels, and gingerbread detailing.
Their facades often feature wood or stone with textured surfaces like scalloped shingles.
Victorian homes aren’t shy about windows; they have plenty, all shapes and sizes!
These homes are known for their complexity, usually two to three stories with asymmetrical details and steep rooflines.
Bay windows and additions add visual interest.
It’s like each home is dressed up for a grand party – charming and full of character!
You’ll spot a lot of these homes in Mobile’s historic neighborhoods.
Antebellum
Antebellum homes in Alabama have a storied past.
They often have those high basements, like the old cottages in South Carolina.
Walk inside, and you’ll see these wide hallways – great for cooling down in the Alabama heat.
The rooms are usually just a couple on each side of that hallway, often connected with big doors.
There are usually large gathering places for parties.
Outside, these homes stand out with their neoclassical style – think symmetrical design and impressive columns.
It’s a blend of styles, from Georgian to Federal.
They’re more than just pretty houses; they represent a historical era that shaped America.
Acadian
Acadian homes in Alabama stand out for their practical yet welcoming design.
They’re known for large, wraparound porches that offer a cool retreat from the Southern heat.
These porches are not just for show; they’re a favorite spot for socializing and sharing sweet tea.
High ceilings inside the homes help keep things cool, making them both practical and comfortable.
These homes often use natural materials like wood, brick, and stucco.
Expect to see features like grand entryways, split bedrooms, and elegant foyers.
It’s all about creating a space that’s both functional and hospitable —
A true reflection of Southern hospitality!
Low Country
Low Country homes in Alabama are all about blending comfort with a touch of elegance.
They often have raised first floors, a smart move for areas prone to high tides and flooding.
Broad hip roofs are a signature feature, extending over wide, welcoming front porches.
These porches, sometimes wraparound, are perfect for gathering with friends and family.
Large double-hung windows are common, designed for airflow in the warm Southern climate.
Shutters add a decorative touch, once functional against stormy weather.
Inside, expect high ceilings, aiding in keeping the home cool.
The use of natural materials like wood and brick echoes the area’s connection with nature.
These homes embody a lifestyle that’s in harmony with the river delta’s unique setting.
Ranch-Style
Ranch-style homes in Alabama are known for their practical layouts.
They feature long, low-pitch roof lines and wide eaves.
Big windows light up the home, connecting you with the outdoors.
The interiors usually have an open floor plan, combining living, dining, and kitchen areas.
This design creates a spacious, airy feel.
Many ranch homes include attached garages, adding to their functionality.
They often have a U, C, or L shape, utilizing space efficiently.
The exteriors are modestly decorated, often using natural materials like wood and stucco.
These homes are popular for their simplicity, ease of living, and blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Coastal
Beach houses in Alabama are designed with both comfort and the unique coastal environment in mind.
Here’s a list of beach towns in Alabama peppered with these coastal homes!
Here are their distinct characteristics:
Cape Cod Style
These homes are known for their symmetrical design, shingle siding, pitched roofs, and are modest in size.
They often feature multi-paned windows and a centrally located front door.
Mediterranean Style
These homes are luxurious, with stucco walls, red tile roofs, open floor plans, high ceilings, and large arched windows.
They often have bright accent colors and use natural materials.
Beach Cottage Style
Typically small and cozy, beach cottages focus on creating an intimate atmosphere.
They often use clapboard or shingles and have interiors with bright colors and varied textures.
Modern Coastal Style
These homes blend traditional coastal design with modern aesthetics.
I’m talking clean lines, natural materials, large windows, and sliding glass doors.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival homes in Alabama are all about tradition —
With a touch of modern living!
They usually have a rectangular shape and are symmetrical.
The front door is typically centered, flanked by multi-pane, double-hung windows.
Roofs are medium-pitched and side-gabled, sometimes with dormers.
These homes often use brick or wood clapboard for siding.
Key design elements include columns, pediments, and porticos at the entrance, adding grandeur.
Inside, the layout centers around a practical and organized floor plan.
Expect high ceilings, crown moldings, wainscoting, and paneled doors, contributing to their elegant interiors.
Colonial Revival homes are both timeless and functional.
Shotgun House
I own a shotgun house in downtown Mobile, Alabama.
During renovations, we discovered charred timbers in its structure, suggesting an intriguing past.
The house next door, also a shotgun type, shares this feature.
An old map revealed a store once stood here in the 1800s.
My theory?
Both houses might have been built using materials from the store, probably after a fire.
Shotgun houses are distinct for their long, narrow design.
Rooms align straight from front to back, creating a direct line without hallways.
This layout was practical and popular in urban areas of the South.
The style’s simplicity highlights the rich history and resilience embedded in these homes.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse-style homes in Alabama are about cozy living with a touch of tradition.
They feature spacious, covered porches, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Symmetrical windows are a staple, designed for good airflow and natural light.
These homes often use natural materials like cedar wood and metal roofing, combining rustic charm with modern durability.
Inside, farmhouses are warm and inviting.
They have large kitchens and living areas, perfect for family gatherings.
Some homes have Classical Revival or Greek Revival influences, adding historical charm.
Farmhouse-style homes in Alabama are special, blending practical living with a cozy, homey atmosphere!
Modern
Modern homes in Alabama stand out for their clean, minimalistic designs.
These homes often feature open floor plans, connecting living spaces seamlessly for a spacious feel.
Large windows are a key element, allowing for plenty of natural light and a connection with the outdoors.
The exteriors of modern homes typically showcase materials like glass, steel, and concrete, offering a bold and industrial aesthetic.
The interior design focuses on functionality, often incorporating the latest technology and energy-efficient solutions.
What sets modern homes apart is their adaptability to any environment.
Whether in urban settings or rural landscapes, they blend effortlessly with their surroundings while making a distinct architectural statement.
Mid-Century
Mid-century architecture in Alabama is defined by its clean lines, functional design, and connection with nature.
A prime example of this is The Rosenbaum House in Florence, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
It features flat planes and large windows, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Natural materials are used throughout, creating a minimalistic yet organic feel.
This style often includes open floor plans, emphasizing spaciousness and natural light.
Mid-century homes like the Rosenbaum House are known for their timeless beauty.
They demonstrate how architecture can harmoniously integrate with its surroundings.
This style remains a beloved part of Alabama’s architectural heritage.
Greek Revival
Greek Revival architecture, like Mobile’s iconic Oakleigh House, has key features that make it unique.
The most striking are the large, white Greek columns.
These columns are not just decorative; they symbolize strength and elegance.
The buildings are usually symmetrical, with a grand entrance.
The raised main floor is a smart feature for the Southern heat, promoting better air circulation.
This style often includes a spacious interior and a T-shaped design for extra airflow.
Greek Revival in Alabama blends classic Greek elements with practical adaptations, showcasing both beauty and functionality.
French-Creole
Strolling through Mobile, you’re also likely to encounter distinctive French-Creole architecture.
These unique homes catch the eye with their expansive front porches and balconies.
This is heavily inspired by Caribbean aesthetics.
The roofs, high and gabled, draw from French Canadian design.
These houses often have rooms opening onto the porch and efficient interior chimneys.
Many feature practical raised basements.
Typically 1½ stories high, their straightforward four-room plans skip the hallways.
This architectural style, a fusion of French and Spanish influences, is adapted to suit Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
It marries historical charm with modern functionality.
FAQs
What are the features of a Southern-style house?
Southern-style houses stand out with their fancy columns, pediments, and shutters.
You’ll often see big porticoes and detailed cornices, too.
They’re smartly designed for the South’s warm weather, with high ceilings and spacious front porches —
Perfect for catching a cool breeze on a hot day!
What is the most common house type in Alabama?
The plantation-style, or I-House, is pretty common in Alabama.
It’s a big part of Southern heritage.
These houses stand out with their large porches, tall columns, and high ceilings.
If you imagine a “Southern home,” this is what will likely pop up in your mind!
What house type is the most practical to buy in Alabama?
Many would argue that it’s the Craftsman style.
These homes, a true Alabama classic, are known for their distinct look with one or two stories and a low-pitched roof.
They’ve got these cool custom features and open floor plans.
They’re not just pretty; they’re built with local resources, making them a smart, sustainable choice!
If you’d like to experience what it’s like to live in Alabama and try different home styles for a few days —
Why not book an Airbnb for an authentic experience?
Related Reading: Should I Move to Alabama – Click Here To Learn More
Conclusion
The diversity of home styles in Alabama mirrors the state’s rich character.
And once you do your own exploring, you’re bound to discover more architectural gems!
(Here’s an Alabama bucket list to jumpstart your adventure!)
I think it’s awesome how these homes seamlessly adapt to Alabama’s distinct climate and surroundings.
They embody the essence of Southern living, blending tradition, comfort, and a touch of elegance.
Thinking of making the move?
Here’s our roundup of the best places to live in Alabama, where I’m sure you’ll spot the house types I listed above.
And while I might be a bit biased, here’s my case for why you should move to Mobile!
