.png "English"){kind=small}
Spanish style homes are a sub-style of the Mediterranean design philosophy. In this article, we'll present an overview of Spanish style houses for UK buyers who are seeking to purchase an authentic example of this rich and complex architecture.
What Is The Mediterranean Style?
First, let's look at some background about the Mediterranean region. Because of its location linking Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean region is home to an amazing diversity of peoples and cultures. Add to that the Moorish occupation of Spain for hundreds of years and the result is an eclectic architectural style that dominates Spanish style homes. The robust trade, migration patterns and even warfare and conquest have all contributed to the rich and varied history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The design of houses in Spain reflects the country's "melting pot" heritage.
Typical Features of Mediterranean Homes
What has come to be termed "Mediterranean architecture" has its roots in a melange of lifestyle, culture, historical building styles, climate and topography (surface features) of the region. The Spanish style house always seeks to exploit location and views, especially sea views. You'll see Spanish houses tucked away on rocky hillsides that tower above the sea or are proudly situated on glorious white sand beaches. Roof terraces are common, again to take advantage of the view.
More Mediterranean Architecture Features
Since sites for Spanish style homes are often hilly, rocky and uneven, the architecture tends toward low-slung and boxy designs with flat roofs. Windows are situated to take maximum advantage of both the view and the whole house seems to just blend into its surroundings. A typical Spanish style house has thick walls faced with white or light colored stucco to help keep the interior cool. Classical Roman features like columns and porticos firmly anchor the Spanish style home in a vibrant historical context. Red clay tile roofs are typical and there are usually no overhanging eaves. Arches are integral design features and often appear above windows, doors, entryways and porches.
Mediterranean Architecture Brings the Outdoors Inside
Spanish house styles tend to be asymmetrical in shape with multiple wings. Hip roofs are common. Details like carved doors and carved stonework, spiral columns and tiled walls and floors are also highly characteristic of Mediterranean architecture. Courtyards are prevalent and often function as outdoor rooms, making for easy transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces. Fountains and water features grace the courtyards, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the arid climate. Wrought iron ornamentation is typical. Spanish style houses give an overall impression of oneness with their surroundings.
Spanish style homes continue to be popular with residents of the UK who own holiday homes there. These homes are authentic buildings that reflect the best of Mediterranean architecture, culture and character.
Morris Simpson is an independent real estate property advisor and writer in Spain. His interest in real estate is a passion and his technical expertise stems from both his education and experience. He is a real estate professional with Spanish property shop online - a specialized website for buying and selling villas, apartments, homes and houses in Spain. Spanish property shop online also offers you the finest opportunity in finding the most luxurious and affordable Spanish style houses
Spanish Property Shop Online provides you with the most comprehensive selection of Spanish Property available, which is designed to make the job of finding your property in Spain a much easier and less stressful event. Spanish Property Online Shop also specializes in bringing you the best deals available in Spain. You will find a delightful collection of apartments, villas, country cottages (in fact all types of property) in coastal and rural settings. Feel free to get in touch with us at http://www.spanishpropertyshoponline.com/houses-in-spain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morris_Simpson
What Is The Mediterranean Style?
First, let's look at some background about the Mediterranean region. Because of its location linking Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean region is home to an amazing diversity of peoples and cultures. Add to that the Moorish occupation of Spain for hundreds of years and the result is an eclectic architectural style that dominates Spanish style homes. The robust trade, migration patterns and even warfare and conquest have all contributed to the rich and varied history and culture of the Mediterranean region. The design of houses in Spain reflects the country's "melting pot" heritage.
Typical Features of Mediterranean Homes
What has come to be termed "Mediterranean architecture" has its roots in a melange of lifestyle, culture, historical building styles, climate and topography (surface features) of the region. The Spanish style house always seeks to exploit location and views, especially sea views. You'll see Spanish houses tucked away on rocky hillsides that tower above the sea or are proudly situated on glorious white sand beaches. Roof terraces are common, again to take advantage of the view.
More Mediterranean Architecture Features
Since sites for Spanish style homes are often hilly, rocky and uneven, the architecture tends toward low-slung and boxy designs with flat roofs. Windows are situated to take maximum advantage of both the view and the whole house seems to just blend into its surroundings. A typical Spanish style house has thick walls faced with white or light colored stucco to help keep the interior cool. Classical Roman features like columns and porticos firmly anchor the Spanish style home in a vibrant historical context. Red clay tile roofs are typical and there are usually no overhanging eaves. Arches are integral design features and often appear above windows, doors, entryways and porches.
Mediterranean Architecture Brings the Outdoors Inside
Spanish house styles tend to be asymmetrical in shape with multiple wings. Hip roofs are common. Details like carved doors and carved stonework, spiral columns and tiled walls and floors are also highly characteristic of Mediterranean architecture. Courtyards are prevalent and often function as outdoor rooms, making for easy transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces. Fountains and water features grace the courtyards, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the arid climate. Wrought iron ornamentation is typical. Spanish style houses give an overall impression of oneness with their surroundings.
Spanish style homes continue to be popular with residents of the UK who own holiday homes there. These homes are authentic buildings that reflect the best of Mediterranean architecture, culture and character.
Morris Simpson is an independent real estate property advisor and writer in Spain. His interest in real estate is a passion and his technical expertise stems from both his education and experience. He is a real estate professional with Spanish property shop online - a specialized website for buying and selling villas, apartments, homes and houses in Spain. Spanish property shop online also offers you the finest opportunity in finding the most luxurious and affordable Spanish style houses
Spanish Property Shop Online provides you with the most comprehensive selection of Spanish Property available, which is designed to make the job of finding your property in Spain a much easier and less stressful event. Spanish Property Online Shop also specializes in bringing you the best deals available in Spain. You will find a delightful collection of apartments, villas, country cottages (in fact all types of property) in coastal and rural settings. Feel free to get in touch with us at http://www.spanishpropertyshoponline.com/houses-in-spain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morris_Simpson