Although the style is difficult to name, it's fairly easy to recognize a Spanish Eclectic home. Virginia and Lee McAlester, authors of
A Field Guide to American Houses, characterize Spanish Eclectic homes as having these features:
- Low-pitched roof
- Red roof tiles
- Little or no overhanging eaves
- Stucco siding
- Arches, especially above doors, porch entries and main windows
Some Spanish inspired homes have:
- Asymmetrical shape with cross-gables and side wings
- Flat roof and parapets
- Or, a hipped roof
- Carved doors
- Spiral columns and pilasters
- Courtyards
- Carved stonework or cast ornaments
- Patterned tile floors and wall surfaces
