How To Tell a Mission Style House

Here's How:

1. Consider the location of the building. Is it in California or the southwestern part of the United States?
2. Try to determine the date. Was the house built between about 1890 and 1920?
3. Examine the siding. Is it smooth stucco?
4. Check the roof. Do you see rounded parapets (low walls) which project above the roofline?
5. Check the roofing material. Is it red tile?
6. Observe the shape of the building. Is there a square tower? Does it have a bell?
7. Examine the windows. Do you see any windows that are round or clover shaped?
8. Look for other decorative details. Do you see twisted columns? Is the building otherwise rather plain?
9. Look for a porch. Is it one story high? Is it supported by large, square pillars?
10. Examine the entryway. Is there a covered archway leading to the front door?

Tips:

1. Some Mission style homes resemble old Spanish mission churches. Others combine Mission ideas with craftsman and Prairie features.
2. All Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial style homes will have some characteristics of the Mission style.
3. Shaded porches and dark interiors make Mission homes particularly suited for warmer climates.