Sleepy History - American Home Styles

Episode Date: March 16, 2025

Homes—we spend so much time in them that we often miss many of their intricate details. Tonight, as you drift off to sleep, explore the architecture and history of the diverse styles of houses found in the United States, from the Craftsman bungalow to the Pueblo Revival home.Narrated by: Heather FosterWritten by: Ivan SuazoAbout Sleepy History Delve into history's most intriguing stories, people, places, events, and mysteries, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. If you struggle to fall asleep and you have a curious mind, Sleepy History is the perfect bedtime companion. Our stories will gently grasp your attention, pulling your mind away from any racing thoughts, making room for the soothing music and calming narration to guide you into a peaceful sleep. Want to enjoy Sleepy History ad-free? Start your 7-day free trial of Sleepy History Premium: https://sleepyhistory.supercast.com/Have feedback or an episode request? Let us know at: slumberstudios.com/contactSleepy History is a production of Slumber Studios. To learn more, visit www.slumberstudios.com.

This is Sleepy History. Sleepy History is a production of Slumber Studios. To listen ad-free, get access to bonus episodes, and support the ongoing production of this show, check out our premium feed. This is The Sleepy History of American Homestyles, narrated by Heather Foster, written by Ivan Swazow. Have you ever stood outside your home and looked at it closely? Is the exterior wood stucco or brick? Does it have a pitched or flat roof? These architectural details set the tone of a house, and when it comes to different styles, American homes run the gamut.

There's Pueblo Revival, Four Square, and Queen Anne to name a few. But what do these names mean, and where do they come from? But what do these names mean, and where do they come from? We'll travel across the country and discover the history and design elements of some of the most popular types of houses. So just relax and let your mind drift as we explore the sleepy history of American hom United States. Picture millions of yellow dots speckled over the landscape from ocean to ocean. These dots represent the roughly 85 million detached, single-family homes scattered throughout

the country. These homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic Cape Cods of sea-swept Massachusetts to the elegant Victorians of San Francisco. So, how do you tell them apart? To answer this question, let's take a closer look Let's take a closer look at the different styles, starting with one of the oldest and most iconic – the American Colonial. Colonial homes date back to the 1600s and 1700s, when English settlers brought their architectural style to the American colonies. They're especially popular in the country's northeastern region of New England, comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, New England has a distinct look and feel.

Lighthouses dot the region's rocky coastline. Leafy maples and oaks turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange in autumn. And in between, colonial homes evoke a bygone era of American history. evoke a bygone era of American history. We can see why the colonial style appealed to early settlers in New England. The sturdy construction and simple design provided an efficient and affordable way to build homes. These boxy two-story houses showcased brick or shiplap exteriors topped by a steeply pitched roof. The front door was typically centered, aligned with the chimney, and flanked by a series of double-hung windows with small

panes of glass. This created a symmetrical aesthetic that became a hallmark of the American colonial. Inside, these homes featured pine or oak flooring and fireplaces with handcrafted mantles. The furnishings were simple, yet inviting. Wicker chairs, rocking chairs, and settle benches filled the living room. Hand-stitched quilts warmed the beds. Kitchens were separate rooms with a wood-burning stove. They had hutches and cabinets hewn from trees in the surrounding forest. And there would often be a rustic farmhouse table accompanied by sturdy benches. Of course, the problem with old homes is that they eventually wear down and need repairs. Although colonials were built to last, they too have succumbed to time.

Today, only a fraction of these homes from the 1600s and 1700s remain in mint condition. Some are called heritage homes and are preserved due to their historical significance. That said, a wave of nostalgia in the early 19th century The wave of nostalgia in the early 19th century inspired the colonial revival or young colonial style. New builds during this period drew on the design elements of their predecessors, but updated them for modern times. that updated them for modern times. They featured larger, checkered windows and brighter, airier interiors.

They also came equipped with central heating and cooling systems. Despite these modern updates, however, homebuilders in the colonial revival style were careful to incorporate the original's signature elements. For instance, columns, dormers, and multi-paned windows were still perfectly aligned and symmetrical. Additionally, a central chimney poked out from the roof, which meant that new heating and cooling could not obviate the need for a working fireplace. Fireplace. Evoking symmetry was so important, in fact, that some properties featured a detached two-car garage set back from the home so that it wouldn't steal the young colonial's thunder. Nowadays, colonial revival homes are some of the most sought-after properties on the market. But they're not the only ones calling for attention.

Let's head back up to the satellite's view of the U.S. and take a look at the millions of other homes scattered across the U.S. and take a look at the millions of other homes scattered across the map. Let's change about one-tenth of these yellow dots to bright green with a larger concentration in the West. These green dots represent an ubiquitous style that has been attracting buyers since the early 1900s – the craftsman bungalow. For a closer look at these charming yet sturdy homes, let's head to the city of Pasadena in Southern California. Pasadena is located in the San Gabriel Valley northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

It's known for its abundant sunshine, the annual Tournament of Roses, abundant sunshine, the annual tournament of roses, and its many historic craftsman bungalows in all colors. One neighborhood just north of the Two-Tin Freeway is officially called Bungalow Heaven. Here, you'll find roughly 800 bungalows, built between 1900 and 1930, that are part of the city's historic preservation program. Any given street in this palm tree-lined neighborhood features a variety of these classic homes. Inspired by the British arts and crafts movement, which began in the late 1800s as a response to the Industrial Revolution, these homes prioritized craftsmanship over mass production. They aimed to bring a sense of artistry into daily life by using natural materials such

as wood and stone. They also included handcrafted details like ornamental brackets, tapered columns, and exposed rafters. So how can you tell a craftsman bungalow apart from its contemporaries? Let's look at a typical home in Pasadena's bungalow heaven. This one is canvassed by the San Gabriel Mountains rolling peaks and set against a bright blue sky. It's a one and a half story home, which is typical of the style, with crawl space below and attic space above.

It features a low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves and a covered front porch. There's a swing on the porch, supported by chains attached to the ceiling, and begonia-filled planters hanging from wooden railings along the façade. The front porch is a classic feature of the craftsman bungalow. It ties the house to its landscape and serves as a transition between indoors and outdoors. Other notable features out front include a series of columns that supports the overhanging roof and a picture window or two facing the street. and a picture window or two facing the street. Inside, you'll find a practical floor plan with the living room at the center flanked by two bedrooms.

Hallway length is kept to a minimum to allow for larger rooms. The wood floors are usually dark, and the furniture is sturdy and rustic. Details like exposed beams and wainscotting emphasize craftsmanship. Built-in window seats, bookcases, and cabinets are also signature elements of the craftsman-bungalow style. One of the most influential figures in the design and construction of the craftsman-bungalow was Gustav Stickley, an American furniture maker and publisher of the Craftsman magazine. The magazine circulated from 1901 to 1916. It served as a catalog for Stickley's furniture and a guide to understanding the American arts and crafts aesthetic. According to Stickley, the craftsman bungalow was the most honest of homes,

in that it was built with natural materials of the highest quality, with a focus on craftsmanship. quality with a focus on craftsmanship. The magazine's first issue was part homage to William Morris, who was one of the founders of the arts and crafts movement in England, and part manifesto on the optimal American home. A later issue included an illustration section titled, How to Build a Bungalow. This article outlined the basics of bungalow construction and inspired thousands to build their own homes based on Stickley's design. These days, bungalows remain a popular choice among home buyers with prices that vary greatly based on their size and location.

In California, for instance, they can command upwards of $1 million for 1,200 square feet of living space. By contrast, you can find similar craftsman-style homes in many parts of the Midwest listed on the market for under $200,000. Midwest listed on the market for under $200,000. Zooming out from bungalow heaven to the satellite's view again, let's add another color to the millions of dots on America's map. This time, let's color another tenth in red. These dots represent a style that rode on the coattails of the craftsman bungalow craze, the one-story rancher.

Before we take a tour of your typical ranch-style property, let's first address the sprawling farmlands, livestock, and endless acres of dirt roads that the word ranch usually conjures. Ranch-style homes have nothing to do with these farms. Instead, they draw their inspiration from the Spanish colonial architecture of the southwest, with its spacious layouts and wide eaves to protect against the sun. to protect against the sun. Also called ramblers, ranch-style homes generally follow a few hard rules. For starters, they must be one floor

and bear a rectangle, L-shaped, or U-shaped design. The home should be low to the ground with large windows and sliding glass doors for a seamless connection with nature. These sliding doors are usually located off the living room or kitchen and lead to a patio, deck or yard or garden. Front porches aren't required, which is one way of telling them apart from craftsman bungalows. For a close-up look at the ranch style, let's travel to the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, where classic brick ranchers dot almost every suburban block. The suburbs of Charlotte consist of winding, tree-lined streets, quiet cul-de-sacs,

winding, tree-lined streets, quiet cul-de-sacs, and ramblers that back onto densely wooded areas. These one-story homes sport brick facades in varying shades of red, with white window frames and contrasting blue, gray, or black shutters. In many homes, a series of waterspouts climb up the brick exterior, reaching the gutters where shingles line the low-slung roof. Inside, you'll likely find an open floor plan with spaces for living, dining, and entertaining that flow seamlessly into one another. There's usually a decorative or working fireplace in the living room, and plenty of windows for natural light.

Let's not forget the sliding glass doors leading out to a lush green yard, which has become a hallmark feature of ranch-style homes. has become a hallmark feature of ranch-style homes. Because ranchers are typically larger than craftsmen bungalows, they often accommodate three or four bedrooms and two or more bathrooms. If you're hoping for a front-attached garage, however, you might need to look elsewhere. This is because many ranchers in the American South come with off-street parking only, while a few offer detached garages or carports. garages, or carports. Leaving these Charlotte Ramblers behind,

let's travel now to a section on the map between the Great Plains of the Midwest and the Pacific Ocean's scenic coastline. This part of the U.S. is characterized by crinolated mountains that span 3,000 miles from north to south. This vast range stretches from the Canadian province of British Columbia to the American state of New Mexico. These are the Rocky Mountains, where log cabins and mountain chalets coexist in harmony with the breathtaking scenery.

Mountain homes were influenced by the Swiss and German settlers of the 1800s. and German settlers of the 1800s. They feature a wide variety of architectural styles. The rustic log cabin is perhaps the most iconic of all. Nestled among the evergreens, the log cabin has been a staple of the American dream for hundreds of years. It's usually made from logs of cedar, pine, or spruce that have been cut down and had their bark peeled off. Some logs are cleaved down the middle, then stacked horizontally to form the exterior, with the rounded surfaces facing out.

A few steps lead up to the front porch, while small windows let in natural light. The idyllic vision of a cozy cabin in the woods, while small windows let in natural light. The idyllic vision of a cozy cabin in the woods may include billows of smoke rising from a stone chimney plus a babbling brook or river nearby. Inside, you'll find a modest living space with wood-paneled walls, beamed ceilings, and a fireplace. Many log cabins also feature lofts or decks that look out over the sweeping landscape of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Mountain chalets are also popular in these parts,

though they tend to be more elaborate than their log cabin counterparts. To view one of these homes inspired by the Swiss Alps, let's head to the ski town of Steamboat Springs in Colorado. Situated in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is the perfect place to observe a Grand Mountain chalet. The town is surrounded by a sharp mountain range, where rocky peaks puncture the sky, and evergreens stand tall over the sweeping landscape. The Yampa River flows through the valley, offering a gentle current for the local wildlife and the kayakers that frequent the area.

In the winter, snowfall blankets the town in a sea of white, including the rooftops of the beautiful chalets perched atop the valley's rolling hills. Although the term chalet originates from the French word for hut, these homes are anything but modest. anything but modest. They often feature two or more stories with exteriors that showcase a combination of wood and stone. Some chalets are part of the mountain modern architectural style, which blends natural materials with human-made elements like concrete and steel for an ultra-modern aesthetic. The goal of the chalet is to bring the beauty of nature indoors, to be an extension of the

mountain environment that surrounds it. A retreat for the body and mind to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Inside, chalets boast lofty vaulted ceilings, hardwood-paneled walls and floors, and custom features like flagstone fireplaces and hand-crafted furniture. It's easy to imagine curling up beside the fireplace with quilts draped over the sofa and a stack of books on the coffee table. Inspiration comes easily in a place like this,

perfect for writers, artists, and dreamers who crave peace and solitude. But perhaps the most crucial aspect of the mountain chalet is its view. That's why it's customary for chalets to have huge windows, as well as a balcony or deck overlooking the valley below. From here, you might spot a golden eagle soaring above the treetops, elk grazing near the banks of the river, or a herd of bighorn sheep bounding up the rocky cliffs. Because large windows are such a prominent feature of chalets, seclusion is key. After all, no one likes to feel exposed. That's why many of the mountain homes and steamboat springs are tucked away in the woods. They usually sit on generous acreage that allows for maximum privacy.

A cup of aspen or Douglas fir trees typically blocks the view of the front of the home, while the back opens to a vista of the mountains or meadows below. These homes occupy the American Rockies until the mountains taper off into the desert of the southwest. Where there were once tall evergreens, you now find Saguero cacti with their many arms held aloft as if waving hello. Shrubland dominates the landscape here, stretching as far as the eye can see. The desert flora couldn't be more different than the lush forests of the Rockies, and the same could be said of the homes in this part of the country. Pueblo-style architecture has been a fixture of the American Southwest since the 1500s, making it even older than the colonial-style homes of the East Coast.

By the time Santa Fe, New Mexico was founded in 1610, was founded in 1610, the region's indigenous population had already been building adobe homes out of sun-dried mud bricks for hundreds of years. The main ingredients for adobe were readily available in the region – a mix of sand, clay, straw, and water. Nowadays, Pueblo revival styles with adobe exteriors are quite popular in New Mexico. Dating from the early 20th century, they were inspired by the Spanish colonial and Indian pueblo architecture that had long been prevalent in the southwest. Modern adobe homes showcase earthy tones ranging from muted sand to vibrant copper.

sand to vibrant copper. The exterior walls are a smooth as pondant with rounded corners and flat roofs. Rectangular windows are often set deep within the facade, causing shadows to linger in the frame and creating a distinct sense of depth. But perhaps the most defining feature of the adobe home is the woodwork used to support the roof and load-bearing walls, often referred to as beegas. even referred to as beacons. These wooden beams can be seen from both inside and outside of the home, where they poke out and line the roof horizontally. Inside, these homes often showcase a corner fireplace, molded from the clay used to build the structure.

The walls are typically the same color as the exterior, giving the impression of a single, continuous space. The floors are sometimes composed of large ceramic tiles in natural tones, which have been cut into geometric shapes to ensure that no two are identical. These are then arranged in a mosaic pattern that mimics the narrow bands of the parched desert floor. The home's interior design reflects a deep respect for the area's history and its profound connection to the desert. Living spaces are decorated with classic southwestern accents like colorful rugs and indigenous

patterns, woven baskets, and hand-painted pottery. Decorations may hang from the exposed vegas like festive garlands, and longhorn bowl sculptures may adorn the walls. After spending some time in the desert, the ocean can be a refreshing change of scenery. Classic American beach houses are a far cry from the snow-covered mountains of Steamboat Springs or the parched lands of New Mexico. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic beach cottage to the instant curb appeal of the Cape Cod form. Let's go to the Jersey Shore on the Atlantic seaboard,

where many Cape Cod houses can be found throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Though it may seem unintuitive, Cape Cods are not only a feature of New England, nor do they exist only in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They can also be seen in states like Oregon, Illinois, and Virginia, albeit in lesser numbers. On the Jersey Shore, these homes are often found perched atop dunes or standing on wooden stilts like circus performers. They often feature two stories, steeply pitched gabled roofs, and two or three dormers spanning the length of the roof.

two or three dormers spanning the length of the roof. Clapboard or shingles are the predominant siding materials, and probably your best bet for identifying a classic Cape Cod. Like Colonials, symmetry is important when it comes to the overall design, though exceptions can be made here and there. One common exception is the wraparound porch or the large, uncovered deck that extends from the side of the house. Also like Colonials, the Cape Cod form was brought to America by Puritan settlers in

the 17th century. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the style was revived in both coastal and inland areas. An architect named Royal Barry Willis was instrumental in reviving the style. In the 1930s and through the 1950s, Willis contributed detailed sketches of the new Cape Cod to the daily newspaper called the Boston Transcript. His design promised a visually appealing, yet cost-effective home that was quintessentially American.

Rather than spanning two floors, the new single-story Cape Cod would be relatively low to the ground. It would feature clapboard siding and a shingle roof with eaves set only above the windows and an outsized central chimney clad in brick or stone. With the newspaper's circulation at its peak, the Cape Cod revival quickly spread all over America. By the 1950s, it was a national symbol of middle-class prosperity with modern amenities like attached garages, en-suite bathrooms, and ample closet space that appealed to all kinds of buyers.

The period from the late 1800s to the early 20th century saw most of the revival styles that aimed to improve upon America's archaic designs. Young colonials and Cape Cods were among them, and they were made even more popular by the mail order era that coincided with this period. The Aladdin Company of Bay City, Michigan, for example, was the first in the country to offer home building kits shipped by boxcar, which is a term used for a railroad car that carries freight. The kit included labeled pre-cut parts that could be assembled with relative ease.

And while revival styles were in high demand during the mail order era, a new style of home was also making waves in the self-assembly market, the American Foursquare. Let's travel back in time to 1920s Chicagoland, a nickname that refers to the urban sprawl of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. This decade, known as the Roaring Twenties, saw unprecedented economic growth in the United States. As a result, Chicago's scenery transformed dramatically. Steel-framed high-rises were springing up in the city's downtown core,

with many overlooking the placid waters of Lake Michigan. Ford Model T cars with leather carriage seats, big rectangular windshields, and tires that looked like they were plucked from bicycles filled the roads. And Chicago's elevated rapid transit system, otherwise known as the L, had been up and running since 1892. At the same time, middle-class citizens were opting for a simpler way of life in the suburbs.

They benefited from proximity to the transcontinental railroad, which facilitated the transportation of materials to and from Chicago. In other words, the railroad enabled would-be home buyers to purchase affordable mail-order homes from the Aladdin and Sears catalogs. These included build-your-own four squares that shipped with free building plans and specifications along with essential building components. Being close to the tracks made it easier for home buyers to transport the building materials to nearby lots. to transport the building materials to nearby lots.

Elmhurst, Illinois is an excellent example of where many of these mail-order homes were built. Incorporated in 1882, Elmhurst is one of Chicago's oldest railroad suburbs. It's located about 20 miles west of Lake Michigan's western shores. Today, the suburb is known for its quiet tree-lined streets, wide sidewalks, grassy lawns, and a variety of homestyles. Nestled among ranchers and craftsmen bungalows, you'll find a charming variety of American four squares that were built in the 1910s and 1920s. The four-squares foundation is exactly what it sounds like, a perfect square from which a two-and-a-half-story structure rises like a cube.

These homes usually feature four boxy rooms per floor, except for the attic, where dormer windows provide extra headroom. The square shape of the four-square maximizes interior space, perfect for small lots in growing suburban areas. Asymmetrical windows often adorn the sides of the home, while the front and back windows were relatively symmetrical. A hipped roof is one of the most notable features of the American Foursquare. Unlike the A-frame roofs of traditional Cape Cods and Craftman-style homes, hip roofs have four sloping sides instead of two.

This makes the rigid peak in the roof's center shorter than that of the gabled roof, giving four squares a subtly different profile than their peers. Inside, arched entryways on the first floor lead to different common areas, such as the dining room, living room, kitchen, and study. kitchen, and study. On the second floor, four corner bedrooms are usually connected by a U-shaped hallway, which is lined by the staircase railing. One central bathroom here means that designated bathroom time is a must in larger families. Those who'd rather not squabble over bathroom time, however, can descend the stairs in their bathrobes and use the first floor facility for their many ablutions.

It's amazing to think that four square homes with their large footprints, arched entries and covered porches were shipped by boxcar to be assembled by rather inexperienced hands. Truth be told, not everyone had the patience, skill, or time necessary for such an ambitious undertaking. The Aladdin and Sears companies recognized this and eventually offered professional installation services for those who wanted a turnkey home without the labor involved. without the labor involved. An early 1900 advertisement for a Sears-Robach house

in the four square style, for example, promised to build, paint, and complete a nine-room home for $3,000. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would be around $40,000 today. Of course, nowadays, these homes are valued at 10 times that amount, if not more. While some homes could be built with the help of a catalog in basic blueprints, others were more intricate and ornate in their designs. Take, for example, the stately homes of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Grosse Pointe is a picturesque suburban community located on the banks of Lake St. Clair, about 10 miles northeast of Detroit. The suburb is known for its lavish estates, many of which boast Tudor revival designs like something out of a fairy tale. something out of a fairy tale. Modern Tudor homes are based on the vernacular architecture of 16th century England. The Tudor period, which ran from 1485 to 1603, saw homes with thick stone walls and steeply pitched roofs typically made of thatch.

These homes were characterized by ornate features such as carved doorways and pointed windows with diamond-shaped panes. A prime example is Anne Hathaway's cottage in Chaudhary, Warwickshire, England. Not the famous Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, but Shakespeare's wife. Hathaway's cottage dates back to 1463 and has been impeccably restored since then. Today, the cottage and its surrounding gardens serve as a museum, welcoming tourists from all over the world. The cottage features three red brick chimneys that span the length of the house. that span the length of the house. It also has a gray-batched roof with eaves that undulate like sound waves. The style's decorative half-timbering technique exhibits brown, ribbon-like stripes from the top of the house to its base.

It's this signature technique of interweaving timbers that makes two-door revival homes among the easiest to identify. Those same half-timbering techniques are evident in Grosse Pointe's two-door revival estates. The thatched roofs of medieval times, however, have been replaced by the more durable and fire-resistant slate. Two-door revival homes took off in the U.S. in the early 20th century. Those who had had the means to build these lavish properties often used them as a way of demonstrating their social status. As such, Tudor homes are adorned with elaborate brick and stone fireplaces, intricate wood

carvings, and grand staircases. As if these features weren't enough, the home's front and back lawns are often teeming with lush gardens and mature trees. and teeming with lush gardens and mature trees. Ivy may climb up the home's exterior, giving it that classic old-world look, while tulips, dahlias, and poppies provide a splash of color. There's no doubt that two-door revival homes are some of the most elegant and remarkable in American architecture. But one style in particular takes the meaning of the term ornate to a whole new level. To see it, let's go west to San Francisco, California,

where colorful Victorian and Edwardian-era homes are as much a part of the city's appeal as the Golden Gate Bridge. The gold rush of 1848 drew thousands of fortune-seekers to the city. Once many of them hit it big, they wanted to make sure everyone knew it. Thus, San Francisco became home to some of the grandest and most intricate Victorian-era properties in the country. This era coincided with Queen Victoria's reign in England, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. Victorian homes are easily identifiable by their dramatic and whimsical design elements. These include ornamental woodwork,

decorative paint schemes, corner turrets, and parapets. corner turrets, and parapets. Shrink any one of them, and it might be mistaken for a dollhouse. To view several examples, let's head to San Francisco's Alamo Square neighborhood, where the famous Painted Ladies stand. This row of seven homes on a gentle slope faces the neighborhood's centerpiece, a lush park perched atop a hill where locals flock to picnic and catch views of the downtown skyline.

Built between 1892 and 1896, the Seven Sisters of Postcard Row, as they are sometimes called, feature a vibrant palette of pink, blue, yellow, and green hues. Similar in size and shape, they have steeply pitched roofs, oriole or bay windows that jut out from the facade, a staircase in front and to the left, and a covered garage to the right. and a covered garage to the right. Wood latticework adorns the home's porches and eaves, while decorative gable trim caps off their rooftops. The result is a striking row of homes that perfectly captures

the charm and extravagance of Victorian architecture. The Painted Ladies are just seven of the roughly 14,000 Victorian and Edwardian-era homes that remain in San Francisco today. Both eras are a part of the historic fabric of the city, and each spawned several other architectural styles or sub-styles that are present in the city's many beautiful neighborhoods. One of the most popular sub-styles of the Victorian era is the Queen Anne design. Interestingly,

this style is hardly indicative of Baroque era England when Queen Anne was on the throne from 1702 to 1714. Rome from 1702 to 1714. Rather than overwhelming the viewer with exaggeration and excess as seen in the Baroque style, Queen Anne Holmes are a bit more subdued. They're characterized by an eclectic mix of asymmetrical, often gabled roofs. A defining feature is the corner turret capped by a small conical roof.

You may even see a rooster weathervane or weathercock spinning in the wind atop the conical roof. The homes also feature porches with decorative arches and value strades, carved woodwork, stained glass, and contrasting trim. trim. Some of the most embellished Queen Anne's boast exterior walls and gables in a fish scale pattern. These are made up of hundreds of small overlapping shingles in gradient shades of contrasting colors for an extra layer of detail and texture. In contrast, San Francisco's Edwardian stock is generally more understated. Named after King Edward VII, who succeeded Queen Victoria in 1901,

who succeeded Queen Victoria in 1901, Edwardian homes tend to be slightly wider than the narrow or floor-through layouts of their Victorian predecessors. They were heavily influenced by the arts and crafts movement that swept across the country in the early 20th century. swept across the country in the early 20th century. As a reminder, this movement sought to revive the artistry and craftsmanship in furniture and home design that had been lost with the advent of mass production. The hallmark features of Edwardian homes are simplicity and functionality. In San Francisco, they come in many designs, making them somewhat difficult to identify

at first glance. Even the roof lines can vary greatly, from cross gables with multiple dormers to jerkin head, which is a type of hip roof with a short gable at one end. But if you look closely, you'll see uniform details like narrow eaves, bay windows, and subtle decorative work. The front porch, too, might be framed by a low balustrade and an arched entryway. One popular Edwardian is the shingle home, whose exterior wall siding is made up exclusively of overlapping pieces of wood. This gives the home a weathered effect while adding texture to its facade.

It also helps to shake things up a bit from the overly ornate and detailed Victorian stock. overly ornate and detailed Victorian stock. This style was so popular in San Francisco that some neighborhoods, like Pacific Heights and Presidio, are known for their rustic rows of shingle homes. As we approach our story's conclusion, it's clear that a broad spectrum of American homes can be found in almost every corner of the country. But there's one state where a unique homestyle stands out. Let's set the stage. Central Florida in the mid-19th century was home to a rural population of farmers, ranchers,

and laborers. These workers could be seen transporting goods across the state by horse and wagon. The term cracker may have come from the habit of cracking a whip to spur the horses on. Later, it became the de facto term for the wood-frame homes they built. For a glimpse of a historic Florida cracker house, let's head to the state's Panhandle region where weeping willows, blue bayous, and white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico abound. Here, old cracker homes typically sit on short brick piers and feature porches that wrap around the entire perimeter of the house. Rocking chairs were often strewn across the porch on all sides, allowing families to take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets,

as well as the balmy breezes of the Florida landscape. In addition to unfinished wood, the dog trot or shotgun hallway, which ran from the front to the back of the home and connected all the living spaces, was another signature feature of the cracker style. Because there was very little insulation, if any at all, the shotgun Hall served as a breezeway to keep the home cool in the sweltering Florida summers. Today, many of these homes have been restored and stand as a reminder of Florida's past. Newer builds, on the other hand, have gotten rid of the shotgun hallway altogether, as these are no longer necessary with more advanced air conditioning systems. They have, however, kept the wrap-around porches and other rustic features. These include a row of rocking chairs on the porch painted in bright colors,

shutters that open into the home, and screened-in sunrooms that house all kinds of plants and trinkets. While a few modern cracker homes may be part of the Sunshine State's luxury market, a different home style has become most associated with luxury living in Florida. Enter the Mediterranean revival, whose roots can be traced back to the Spanish, Greek, and Moroccan architectural styles of the 19th century. Mediterranean Revival homes can be found throughout the United States, but they're more prevalent in warm climates like Florida, California, and the American South. They're usually two or three stories tall with stucco walls, arches, and red tile roofs that give them a classic old-world look.

that give them a classic old-world look. Expansive verandas and fountain courtyards are also typical elements of lavish Mediterranean-style estates. Ironwork, such as decorative railings, balcony grills, and front gates also add a touch of elegance. In terms of interiors, Mediterranean revival homes are usually open-concept. and concept. They often feature high-end materials like imported marble and handcrafted tile work. Living rooms and kitchens are usually high-ceilings, while bedrooms tend to be more intimate and cozy. bedrooms tend to be more intimate and cozy.

Many homes will have an outdoor area with a progola that provides just the right amount of shade and shine, plus a pool and grill. In other words, Mediterranean revival homes are just as enjoyable outside as they are inside. Now that we've explored many popular home styles in America, let's head up to the satellite's view of the continental U.S. one more time. If you recall from the beginning of this story, we started with roughly 85 million dots representing the country's detached single-family homes. These dots took on new colors as we discovered new styles. But if we were to assign a single color to each home style in America,

a single color to each homestyle in America, we'd soon find out that there aren't enough to go around. Instead, we'd have a vast array of shades and hues that make up the mosaic of American homes. the mosaic of American homes. And this is how American homestyles are truly defined, not by any single story or style, but by all the unique stories combined. That's the beauty of American homes. They're as varied and diverse as the country itself. They remind us of the richness that comes from being part of a nation with so many different

stories. with so many different stories, a nation of dreamers all nestled together in their one-of-a-kind homes. You I'm going to go ahead and close the video. You You You You You You You You You You You You you