Courtyards
The Heart of the Home
Although any style of home could have a courtyard, those homes that reflect a Spanish or Mediterranean influence are best suited for this feature. Courtyards were originally a form of defense, and came after the age of large castles and fortresses, as there was still the idea that your home must be protected within four walls. Once fortification was no longer necessary, courtyards remained a staple in homes located in more tropical regions, as they provide a private outdoor retreat within the home. That being said, safety is still a concern for inner city properties and a courtyard provides an area to relax away from the street. Courtyards were also popularized in the construction of urban multi-family homes, where a small apartment building encloses a central shared space with access from each apartment.
The primary function of modern courtyards is to provide a lovely space for plants, water features, and paths meandering from room to room. Typically rooms are placed off of the courtyard so each area of the house can easily access the outdoors. Install a sound system so music can permeate the space, and enhance the courtyard with a fountain, lush plants, stonework, sculpture and benches tucked away in nooks. The courtyard is the heart of the home, a wonderful room to entertain guests or relax after a long day.
Mediterranean, Spanish and Adobe homes almost always feature a courtyard, as this enhances their outdoor living appeal. Theses styles are often constructed near the coast, where the weather is pleasant if not hot and there is an extended season for outdoor living. The area closest to the kitchen could feature a small fireplace or chiminea for cool coastal nights and a grill or even an outdoor kitchen. Construct an open, pagoda-like roof at this end, possibly with a roll-out shade to provide some relief when the sun is shining.
Related Collections: Mediterranean Spanish Coastal PuebloMatching Plans (574)
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Center Stage
- Style:
- Spanish Revival
- Size:
- 2,539 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 75’
- Depth:
- 68’
- Baths:
- 2
- Beds:
- 3
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Beautiful Open Entry-Way
- Style:
- Mediterranean
- Size:
- 3,031 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 52’
- Depth:
- 95’
- Baths:
- 5
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Attractive Arch Detail
- Style:
- Spanish Revival
- Size:
- 3,163 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 75’
- Depth:
- 68’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Contemporary Design
- Style:
- Prairie
- Size:
- 3,217 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 70’
- Depth:
- 71’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 3
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Modern Classic
- Style:
- Prairie
- Size:
- 3,278 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 75’
- Depth:
- 69’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Prairie Style C-Shaped Home
- Style:
- Prairie
- Size:
- 4,237 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 66’
- Depth:
- 117’
- Baths:
- 4
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Impressive Italianate
- Style:
- Italianate
- Size:
- 2,075 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 66’
- Depth:
- 52’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Huge and Unique Master Suite
- Style:
- Craftsman
- Size:
- 2,856 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 86’
- Depth:
- 71’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
French Country Home
- Style:
- French Country
- Size:
- 2,012 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 67’
- Depth:
- 71’
- Baths:
- 2
- Beds:
- 2
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Four Bedroom Pueblo
- Style:
- Pueblo
- Size:
- 2,966 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 116’
- Depth:
- 77’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Central Courtyard
- Style:
- French Country
- Size:
- 3,338 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 102’
- Depth:
- 90’
- Baths:
- 2
- Beds:
- 3
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Two Bedroom Mediterranean
- Style:
- Mediterranean
- Size:
- 1,892 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 40’
- Depth:
- 87’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 2
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Four Bedroom Spanish
- Style:
- Mediterranean
- Size:
- 3,691 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 93’
- Depth:
- 83’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Four Bedroom Farmhouse
- Style:
- Farmhouse
- Size:
- 3,886 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 1
- Width:
- 77’
- Depth:
- 99’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 1
-
Curved Walls
- Style:
- Pueblo
- Size:
- 3,136 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 77’
- Depth:
- 62’
- Baths:
- 4
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 0
-
Four Bedroom Neoclassical
- Style:
- Neoclassical
- Size:
- 6,209 Sq. Ft
- Stories:
- 2
- Width:
- 136’
- Depth:
- 69’
- Baths:
- 3
- Beds:
- 4
- 1/2 baths:
- 2
