Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty | Why Traditional Architecture Transcends

Traditional architecture is a broad term for a style that incorporates modern-day elements of many classic styles, especially the structure of doors, windows and roofing elements. Traditional homes take styles and materials that were popular in an area and, as newer construction, tie the present to the past. This creates a sense of continuity and a connection to the past.

Traditional architecture has some predominant design cues: gabled roofs; tall chimneys; and, often, windows with rounded or arched tops. Inside, Traditional homes often include open archways, French doors, fireplaces, parquet or plank floors and detailed ceilings, crown moldings and baseboards.

A famous example of the style is Julia Roberts’ character’s family home in Steel Magnolias, a red-brick Traditional in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

The home at 7108 Heritage Oaks Drive in Mansfield, Texas, is a modern-day interpretation of traditional architecture. Just 25 minutes from Fort Worth, it is in the gated community of Hilltop Ranch. At nearly 4,200 square feet, it includes four bedrooms, three full baths, three-car garage and one-car porte-cochere. Its many luxuries include a curving statement staircase in the entry hall, a temperature-controlled wine room and an upstairs additional living room with a large wet bar.

The main kitchen includes a butler’s pantry, work desk, breakfast bar, eat-in nook, walk-in pantry and granite-topped island. The first-floor master suite is posh, too, with a tray ceiling, corner windows and direct access to a terrace. The private master bath features a dramatic focal-point tub, elegant boutique-style cabinetry and an unusual walk-through shower.

Outside, the luxuries continue: a large terrace; a free-form swimming pool and a second-floor balcony over the whole scene.

The home at 7108 Heritage Oaks Drive is represented by Carley J. Moore for $699,000.

To learn more about architecture styles, visit briggsfreeman.com/architecture, a unique source of information, including famous homes, histories and architectural houses for sale.