If you are thinking of buying a home in Sonoma, there is no better introduction to this Californian haven than through its architectural heritage. The largest producer in California’s Wine Country, Sonoma County was once an outpost for the Mexican and Spanish empires. Many homes in the area carry influences from different times, ranging from the Greek Revival styles of the 1850s to the California Ranches of the mid-1930s. Here is a look at Sonoma’s architectural portfolio and what you can expect as you search for your new home in Dry Creek country.
California Ranch
If you prefer a more contemporary look for your home, ask Sonoma CA real estate agent Daniel Casabonne to show you the many California Ranch homes on West Dry Creek Road and other parts of town. The California Ranch is a prominent architectural style founded by California architects in the mid-1930s that became popular in Sonoma in the 1950s and 60s. It is characterized by low-pitched roofs on asymmetrical one-story homes, with open or boxed eave overhangs, exposed rafters, and wooden, brick, or wall cladding. California Ranches scream modern affluence.
Craftsman
The Craftsman home is the total embodiment of the Californian lifestyle. Easily adapted into Southern California for its perfect meld with the weather and topography, this style features ample outdoor relaxation, living, and entertainment spaces. A craftsman bungalow usually has shade-producing features like screened porches and pergolas to connect you to the warm outdoors. The overall style is rustic, with large L-shaped porches, overhanging gable roofs, earth-colored wood siding, and natural furnishings and fixtures.
Greek Revival
Introduced to the area in the late 1850s, the Greek Revival style is almost as old as the town itself. It grew from the simple homestead style of the previous decades when trained carpenters moved to the area, and housing became more formal. The typical Greek revival home features a front-hipped or side-gabbled roof, a cornice line of porch roofs, and a prominent roof with wide trim bands, end porches, horizontal board siding, and rounded or square columns in the classical style.
American Foursquare
The American Foursquare is a style child of the Prairie style. Named for its square proportions, this style is popular in the country and boasts influences from the American Colonial Revival. Homes in this style feature siding or roof treatments designed to create horizontal emphasis, recessed or attached front porches spanning the façade, classical columns, traditional moldings, and dentils.
American Colonial Revival
The American Colonial Revival style was born in the late 19th century and has undergone multiple phases. Double-hung sash windows, gable ends, dentils, and columns characterized the earliest versions. Over time, larger two-story homes featuring gabled or hipped roofs, brick or wood exteriors, and symmetrical profiles became the norm.
Explore Sonoma Homes with Daniel Casabonne
In addition to a rich collection of homes, residents of the Dry Creek area enjoy the many things to do in Sonoma: modern amenities, stunning vineyards, and breathtaking natural scenery. If you are ready to dip your toes in the Sonoma real estate market, contact Daniel Casabone to discuss your home needs. Daniel is one of the top-ranked agents in Sonoma Valley and County and will guide you to your dream home.
