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1965 - present: Neocolonial

Picture Dictionary of American Colonial House Styles: Neocolonial

By , About.com Guide

Modern-day Neocolonial, or Neo-Colonial, houses are romantic versions of the historic Colonial and Federal style buildings.

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Details on this modern-day home are inspired by American Colonial and Federal architecture

Details on this modern-day home are inspired by American Colonial and Federal architecture.

Photo: ClipArt.com
Neocolonial is a Neoeclectic style, borrowing details from many different styles and historic periods.

Neocolonial houses have many of these features:

  • Constructed in the late 20th century through the present time
  • Rectangular shape
  • 2 to 3 stories
  • Center entry-hall floor plan
  • Living areas on the first floor and bedrooms on the upper floors
  • Great room and other large living areas
  • Siding made with vinyl, faux stone, faux brick, or other composite materials
  • Complicated roofline with cross gables and dormers
  • Palladian windows and semicircular fanlights
  • Double-hung windows with shutters
  • Temple-like entrance: portico topped by a pediment
  • Dentil moldings

About Neocolonial Houses

Modern-day houses are often a mixture of historic styles adapted for contemporary lifestyles. New England Colonial, Southern Colonial, Georgian, and Federal details are imitated using low maintenance modern materials. The idea is to convey the traditional, refined atmosphere of a Colonial home, but not to recreate a Colonial style.

Unlike the earlier Colonial Revival homes, the interiors of Neocolonial homes are thoroughly modern with great rooms, high-tech kitchens, and other conveniences.

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