Southern House Plans Have Charm

Antebellum is derived from the Latin term “before war.” Antebellum refers to the 30 year period preceding the civil war. Antebellum architecture refers to southern house plans built during that time frame. Antebellum architecture takes its cue from Greek revival and Roman Influence.

n influential architect, Thomas Jefferson designed his home Monticello and buildings on the university of Virginia campus using Antebellum architectural aspects. His southern house plans inspired the design of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue better known as the address of the White House.

Southern house plans following antebellum architecture include features like great white pillars, expansive porches, elliptical staircases, central entry and rear exits. These homes are boxy, symmetrical with hipped or gabled roofs. Some of these homes even have formal ballrooms.

An example of a great southern house plan is that of Scarlet O’Hara’s Tara. The palatial plantation home featured grand pillars like those found in Greek buildings. Homes of the antebellum era reflect the power and idealism of wealthy landowners in American South, prior to the Civil War.

After the war many of the houses survived because their owners did not have the financial means to destroy them or restore them. During the 1940’s a robust economy found many people with the means to restore antebellum homes to their original grand state.

A Southern house plan provide homebuilders with incredibly charming homes and a since of nostalgia to a more partial time.