| French Provincial architecture has remained popular | | | | Many of the building features used these can be |
| since it was developed in the middle ages. While other | | | | traced even further back into the Middle Ages. The |
| modern building styles use the term "Revival" to | | | | style essentially represents a transition from farm life |
| denote long periods of disuse, French Provincial | | | | to a more residential rural lifestyle, and it quietly |
| architecture needs no such qualification. Homes | | | | developed as people occupied the french countryside. |
| throughout the french countryside are still commonly | | | | Early homes in this form included space for livestock |
| built in this style, as are many new suburban homes in | | | | on the first floor, while farmers lived on the second |
| the U.S. Attractive in a wide variety of settings, and | | | | floor. This layout required a larger than usual second |
| always distinct amid other buildings, they will likely | | | | floor, and was the reason high pitched roofs with big |
| continue to be a favorite of builders well into the future. | | | | windows in the eaves became the norm with this |
| Houses are especially suited to the French Provincial | | | | style. |
| look because it was created specifically for homes. | | | | Today's French Provincial homes are largely the same |
| The style originated in France during the reign of Louis | | | | as the earliest versions. Easily identifiable by wide, |
| XIV in the mid-1600s as a preferred method of | | | | symmetrical layouts and and steep roofs, these make |
| constructing rural manor homes. Built to be | | | | a striking addition to any residential area in which they |
| comfortable, these were always large, and defined by | | | | appear. The style is a natural fit for new developments |
| symmetry and balance. Large rectangular front doors | | | | where larger, more classically designed homes are in |
| in arched openings acted as a central anchor, with | | | | demand, and has become almost trendy in recent |
| them carefully modeled on either side. Due to their | | | | years. Golf course developments, especially, have |
| large size, French Provincial homes were often | | | | seen a rise in French Provincial construction on larger |
| comprised of a central hall and two identical wings. | | | | properties. |
| Other defining features of these buildings are typically | | | | Builders and home owners in search of a reliable, |
| a steep, hipped roof, large shuttered windows, and | | | | vintage look that's adaptable to modern standards will |
| second story windows that break through the cornice | | | | enjoy the French Provincial style. It's been around for |
| and rise above the eaves. Unlike Normandy homes, | | | | centuries, and it's still as popular as ever. |
| French Provincial homes do not have towers. | | | | |