From the allure of famous cities and mouth-watering Texas BBQ to the breathtaking Gulf Coast views, abundant outdoor activities, and year-round warm climate, it’s no wonder so many people call Texas home. With its undeniable appeal, Texas offers a diverse range of lifestyles and housing options to suit every preference. As you explore the possibility of purchasing a home in the Lone Star State, you might find yourself curious about what types of homes that grace the Texan landscape.
While you may picture ranch homes in Austin or Southwestern-influenced houses in San Antonio, there are plenty of styles that make Texas homes stand out. That’s why Redfin’s here to reveal it all. We’ve collected 12 iconic Texas style homes for you to check out. While home styles will vary from city to city, here are some of the most common home styles in Texas you’re likely to find. Let’s check them out.
1) Hill Country
Hill Country style homes are unique to Texas, taking influence from Germanic styles. These houses are typically characterized by their use of natural materials such as limestone, wood, and metal. They often feature a rustic and rugged look with steeply pitched roofs, timber frames, large porches, and plenty of small windows to take in the surrounding views.
2) Adobe
While adobe houses are a significant part of New Mexico’s history and culture, you can also find some of these home styles throughout Texas. It’s a sustainable building option, using compressed dried mud bricks for the exteriors, to help shelter from the hot Texas weather. The exteriors have thick walls, flat and rounded-edge roofs, and a natural brownish-red color. Adobe homes often feature outdoor spaces or rooftop gardens, which are perfect for enjoying the sunny weather. Inside, you’ll find exposed wooden beams, fireplaces, and tile or concrete floors, which help to keep the interior cool and comfortable throughout the year.
3) Bungalow
Taking inspiration from Craftsman-style homes, bungalow houses are single-story homes featuring open concept living spaces with two-to-three bedrooms located on the same level. You may also find an attic space, depending on how steep the gabled roof is. Bungalows have a raised foundation, with a covered front porch. These homes are a popular choice as they’re smaller in size and are typically more affordable.
4) Contemporary
Contemporary homes have an elegant and sophisticated look, with clean lines and minimalist designs. They often feature large windows, open floor plans, and a mix of materials such as metal, glass, and concrete. These homes are ideal for those who appreciate a simple, yet luxurious style – no matter where you’re moving to in Texas.
5) Craftsman
Craftsman homes in Texas have an emphasis on handcrafted details and natural materials. These homes have low-pitched roofs with wide eaves, exposed rafters, and tapered columns. The exterior often features mixed materials – stone, brick, and wood. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and plenty of natural light.
6) Farmhouse
Farmhouses were initially built on working farms, but in today’s housing market are a popular home style whether you’re looking for a sprawling property or a home in the suburbs. They’re typically larger homes with a more minimalist style, a large kitchen, open concept living space, and outdoor living areas. You’ll often find front porches, wood siding, and dormer windows on the façade, while the interior has plenty of storage and classic wood details.
7) Mid-century modern
A home style that originated during 1940-1960, mid-century modern homes have stood the test of time, especially in Texas. These homes have three main characteristics – natural elements, a clean and functional aesthetic, and emphasis on angular features. Most mid-century modern homes are single-story or split-level, have floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors to emphasize indoor-outdoor living, and neutral-colored details.
8) Mission
Mission style homes are inspired by the Spanish mission architecture of the Southwest. Homes typically feature stucco walls, low-pitched tile roofs, and arched doorways and windows. The interior is often characterized by exposed wood beams, wrought iron accents, and decorative tile work. Mission style homes in Texas also often incorporate outdoor spaces, such as courtyards and covered patios.
9) Ranch
Ranch homes, also called ramblers, are one-story homes, with a low-pitched roof and a simple, rectangular or L-shaped floor plan. Texas-style ranch homes often feature large windows and sliding glass doors, allowing for plenty of natural light and access to outdoor living spaces. Many homes also have a covered porch or patio area, ideal for Texas weather.
10) Resort-style
You’ll find plenty of resort-style homes in Texas. They’re designed to provide a vacation-like living experience, ideal for soaking up the state’s warm climate. These homes typically feature expansive living spaces that blend with the outdoors, like large patios, verandas, or courtyards, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
With a focus on indoor-outdoor living, resort-style homes in Texas may have swimming pools and outdoor kitchens, perfect for enjoying the sunny weather. They’re often inspired by Mediterranean and ranch styles with high ceilings, large windows, and spacious bedrooms.
11) Spanish
Similar to Mediterranean homes, Spanish-style homes are a loved architectural style in Texas. Like Mediterranean and Mission styles, you’ll find stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and wrought iron accents. Spanish-style homes have open floor plans with high ceilings and large windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. The interior may also include decorative tile work, archways, and exposed wood beams, giving the home a rustic and elegant feel. Many Spanish-style homes in Texas also have outdoor living spaces, such as courtyards and covered patios.
12) Queen Anne
Queen Anne style homes are a popular architectural style in Texas, particularly in the cities of Galveston and San Antonio. These homes have ornate and intricate details, such as steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and bay windows. They often feature asymmetrical facades with a variety of textures and colors, and can be made from materials such as wood, brick, or stone.
These Texas style homes often feature large porches and balconies that are perfect for enjoying the state’s warm weather. Many homes also have decorative features such as gingerbread trim, spindles, and brackets. Inside, Queen Anne homes are often spacious with high ceilings, large windows, and decorative molding.
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