Full of Southern charm, history, and natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons you may be considering living in South Carolina. From the vibrant city of Charleston to the tranquil beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has a diverse range of landscapes, attractions, and unique home styles you’ll only find in this state. Whether you’re looking for a historic home or a modern beachfront cottage, you’ll find plenty of South Carolina home styles to choose from.
To give you an idea of what’s on the housing market in South Carolina, we at Redfin have compiled a list of the 9 most common home styles you’re likely to find in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home in Greenville or your next house in Columbia, let’s explore some quintessential South Carolina-style homes.
1) Charleston single and double homes
There are two versions of the Charleston style home – single house and double house. These houses are very narrow from the street view, but are very long, often extending far onto the property. Charleston homes appear to be about one-room wide, but in reality are several rooms wide, from the side view.
There’s typically an entryway in the front of the house that leads into a porch or piazza, with the real entrance located along this small porch. The key difference between a single house and double house is that the double home has two stories versus one.
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2) Colonial
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Colonial homes date back to the early 1600s and are one of the oldest home styles found in the US. While Colonial homes come in different architectural styles, these houses share common features. These include the steep gable or gambrel roof, two-story structure, and centrally-located fireplace. Exteriors are typically made of stone, wood, or brick and have lots of windows on each level, giving a symmetrical look to the house. Formal living and dining rooms are on the main floor, while bedrooms are located on the second floor.
3) Contemporary
Contemporary homes offer a fresh and modern style that’s becoming increasingly common in South Carolina. These homes feature clean lines, a minimalist design, and a focus on natural light and open space. You’ll often see a mix of materials like metal, glass, and concrete. With a contemporary home, you can expect to have a comfortable living space that combines elegance with functionality.
4) Cottage (beach and lowcountry)
Cottages are a beloved home style across Louisiana, and you’ll find variations inspired by coastal and lowcountry living. A beach cottage will typically have a bright and airy feel, with a color palette of whites and blues, a metal roof, and plenty of windows to let in natural light.
Lowcountry cottages, on the other hand, are more commonly found in southern Louisiana and have a distinctive charm. These homes often feature a large front porch with columns, wooden shutters, and an exterior made of stucco or clapboard. Inside, there are cozy living spaces with exposed wooden beams, fireplaces, and built-in bookcases. Many cottages have an asymmetrical floor plan, an open concept living space, and one or two bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also find these homes located in some of the affordable places to live in South Carolina.
5) Craftsman
Craftsman homes in South Carolina offer a warm and inviting feel with their distinctive architectural features. With a low-pitched roof, wide front porch, and exposed rafters, all of these features add character and charm to the home’s exterior. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and open floor plan, with plenty of natural light and unique details like built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and decorative woodwork.
6) French country
French country style homes exude an understated yet charming appearance, highlighted by their stone and stucco exteriors, tall windows, and sloped roofs, making them perfect for enjoying the outdoors in South Carolina. Shuttered windows not only add a touch of elegance to the home’s façade, but also keep it cool during the hot and humid summers.
Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by French doors, exposed beams, and flooring that lend warmth and character to the space. Soft colors such as white, yellow, and blue complete the overall aesthetic, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
7) New construction
New construction homes come in a range of styles, from traditional to modern. Expect to see spacious layouts, high ceilings, and ample natural light. Many homes have an open floor plan, creating a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient appliances and green building materials are also common in new construction homes in South Carolina.
8) Ranch
Ranch homes have a low-pitched roof with wide eaves and a simple, one-story design. They’re often designed in an L-shaped or U-shaped floor plan and may be built using a variety of materials such as brick, wood, or stucco. Ranch homes in South Carolina typically have an attached garage and a large backyard for outdoor activities.
9) Resort-style
Resort-style homes in South Carolina offer luxurious living in a tropical setting. These homes often feature large outdoor living spaces that are perfect for enjoying the state’s mild climate. This includes wrap-around porches, verandas, and screened-in patios. Many of these homes are built with materials such as brick, stone, and stucco – designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
You can find plenty of resort-style amenities in these homes – think swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens. Architectural styles that are popular in resort-style homes in South Carolina include Southern plantation, lowcountry, and coastal styles. Inside, these homes often feature spacious living areas and gourmet kitchens, as well as high-end finishes such as hardwood floors and custom cabinetry.
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