An Overview of the Tuscan Style House Guide

Tuscan style house are characterized by their rustic yet elegant appearance. They are usually made of stucco or stone, with terra cotta roofs. The interiors of Tuscan-style houses often have exposed beams and brick fireplaces. The vernacular architecture of central Italy inspires this style of architecture. Tuscan-style houses are often built in warm climates, as they take advantage of the sunny weather. Perhaps it's the warm earthy colors, the stucco walls, or the terra cotta roof tiles. Or maybe it's how the houses are nestled into the rolling hillsides of Tuscany.

History Of The Tuscan House Style

While it is quite difficult to trace the location of the first Tuscan house, the Tuscan house style originated in a city called Tuscany in Italy. The idea behind the style is based on the concept of the Tuscan villas, which were the in-thing around the countryside at that time. And from the early 1600s, the Tuscan house style became known across Europe.

In fact, when traders and political visitors from other countries visited Italy, they took the Tuscan architectural concept with them. England, one of the earliest countries to adopt the Tuscan house style, built its first Tuscan house around late 1840. These homes feature large interior spaces and several architectural designs peculiar to Italy, giving them a unique style. However, the life of the style began to wane in 1855 due to the rise of the Victorian house style.

On the other hand, America was one of the late nations to adopt the Tuscan house style due to the difference in climate and availability of building materials. Colonists and traders from Europe introduced what is today referred to as the Tuscan style house in America. While styles like the Gothic and Greek revival were in trend, the Tuscan house style was preferred by many due to the luxury and elegant appeal it offered.

Even with the death of the Tuscan style house in England, the Tuscan house style continued to spread like wildfire and became the go-to house style in areas such as Cincinnati, Ohio, and down to California. Even today, it is common to find a representation of the Tuscan house style among old houses as a sign of its popularity across centuries. These new variations of the Tuscan house style now feature several modern features to suit the changes in building materials.

Characteristics of Tuscan Style Houses

While Tuscan houses share several characteristics with a Mediterranean house style, several noticeable features make a Tuscan style house stand out from other architectural styles. Below are some key characteristics of a Tuscan style house.

• Stone façade and walls, even indoor
• The roof is made of curved tiles lying on a wooden chestnut base
• “Cotto” floors and staircase, a particular type of resistant Tuscan material
• Stone fireplaces
• Stone arches to divide wide rooms
• Ceilings with chestnut wooden beams
• Stone portico, perfect spot to enjoy outdoor lunches
• The land surrounding the house often hosts olive trees and/or vineyards.

Recent Tuscan house designs often offer an outdoor pool where individuals can relax in the water or poolside while enjoying the panorama.

Main Materials of the Tuscan Style Houses

Tuscan houses are typically made from natural materials. It is common to find materials like:

• Terracotta
• Stucco
• Wood
• Bricks
• Iron
• Stone (slate, granite, marble or travertine)
• Ceramic

Why People Love the Tuscan House Style

Whatever the type, characteristics, or design, below are some reasons why millions of Americans love the Tuscan House plan and style.

Adaptability

Tuscan house plans are some of the most adaptable and customizable houses plans you can find. You can decide to adopt a central living room instead of a central courtyard. You can also decide to open the adjoining rooms completely into the central space. More importantly, you can blend several architectural designs to give your home space a different look and appeal.

Luxury Appeal

If you love luxury living but working with a budget, then a Tuscan house plan may be all you need to transform your home from a living space to a villa. The Tuscan house style is just as beautiful and luxurious on the outside as it is on the inside. With the combination of natural elements and materials—wood floors, bright walls, and wood-beamed ceilings, Tuscan house designs are luxury refined.

Lots of Space

There is no lack of space with a Tuscan style house. Since they typically feature two or even three stories, there is ample space to spare. In fact, some Tuscan houses are large enough to accommodate house staff and areas for socialization. So, if you are looking for a house plan that is large enough to accommodate your large family, then the Tuscan style house is your best choice.

How Much Does Tuscan House Style Cost?

A Tuscan house plan can cost around $1500 to $2,500. However, custom plans and blueprints may cost around 5-10 percent of the total home building cost. The average cost to build a Tuscan house style in the US is around $400,000, depending on your home location, customizations, and square footage.

One thing you should know before building one is that a Tuscan home requires more time and is more expensive. To build a Tuscan home, check out some of our cottage floor plans and designs here.

Constructing a Tuscan Home Style

Constructing a Tuscan home requires the input of a professional architect and builder. When looking to build a Tuscan home, you may decide to opt for a ready-made floor plan or a fully custom-designed blueprint for your potential home.

The first step to constructing a custom Tuscan home is to get a comprehensive architectural drawing set. This gives you more insight into the type of materials to be used, accurate dimensions of the floor plans, location of the elements, sections, and other construction-related information.

If you are looking for a comprehensive yet affordable Tuscan house blueprint or a customizable floor plan, then we at Archimple are here to serve you. We have several Tuscan house design collections and floor plans. You can check out our Tuscan home design collection to find out how we can help you achieve your dream home.

You can click the following links to learn more about what consists of our typical plan set and how we work or can be of help to you and your Tuscan home-building project. Remember that your home is not just an investment for the future but a reflection of your personality. So, it is important that you employ the best architectural help to make your dream home a reality.

Final Point

The Tuscan Style House is a luxurious and unique home perfect for those who want to live in style. The house is full of features that make it stand out from other homes, and its location is perfect for those who want to be close to the city. The Tuscan style house is a perfect choice if you want a luxurious and unique home.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the Tuscan style?
The Tuscan style is a type of architecture that originated in Italy's Tuscany region. This style is characterized by its use of stucco, stone, and barrel tile roofs. This design style is known for its arched doorways, windows, and wrought iron details.

How did the Tuscan style come about?
The Tuscan style originated in the Italian region of Tuscany during the 12th century. This region is known for its beautiful rolling hills and vineyards, which likely inspired the use of stucco and stone in Tuscan-style homes.

What are some common features of Tuscan style homes?
Some common features of Tuscan-style homes include high ceilings, arched doorways, and exposed beams. They often have an open floor plan with large rooms and natural light.

How can I incorporate the Tuscan style into my home?
There are a few ways to incorporate the Tuscan style into your home, even if you don't live in Italy!

More To Read: 

• What You Need To Know About Mediterranean Style Home
• House Design Focus: Log House Style
• Exploring The Lake House Style And Plans
• Building A House: Buying An Online House Plan Vs Hiring A Traditional Architect
• How to Get Blueprints for a House
• What Is a Carriage Style House, and Is It the Right Building for You?