Residential Property Styles in the Metro Portland Area: Series I - A-Frame to Craftsman

If you're moving to Portland, you might want to know what the various housing styles are.  Even if you aren't moving to Portland you might not know about the wonderful, diverse styles our area has to offer. 

Here is a concise and complete list of the various housing styles you'll find:

2 Story - Home has two levels. The entrance is on the main level, with the living quarters (bedrooms) on the upper level.

A-Frame - The high-pitched roof in the shape of an 'A' clearly defines this architectural style. Many A-Frame homes are seen in the higher altitudes where heavy snows are common, and due to the steep pitch of the roof, can not accumulate.

• Bungalow - A gabled roof, and front porch is a typical style.  Most are 1 1/2 stories, typically with a converted attic.

Cabin - Very small one-story structure with one or two rooms (Not shown).

Cape Cod - Typically a one-story with attic conversion, steep gabled roof with dormers.

Chalet - Another architectual style typically found in higher, colder altitudes.  Common feature is the projected roof, a raised foundation and large windows. (Not shown).

Colonial - This is a traditional style, with small casement windows, always a two-story home, with steep roof, many "Colonials" have columns decorating the exterior, but they don't have to include them.

Common Wall - Common walls can be one or two-story and any architectual style.  They have one wall which connects the residences (two properties are joined at the common wall).  (Not shown.)

Country French - Can be a one-level or two-level (two being more common).  Major characteristics are the curved windows (mostly shuttered), formal in structure with a deep hip roof line.

Contemporary - AKA "Modern," Contemporary styles homes have clean, uncluttered lines, are non-tradtional, and very simplisitc in design.

Cottage - Front porches are either non-existant, or very small.  Windows are encased and sashed, rront door is very plain.  Has a gabled roof line, but lower then a Bungalow style.

Craftsman - A stand out feature of the Craftsman is the covered porch with decorative braces on the front porch.  A low gabeled roof with wide beams and exposed rafters also round out the destinctive style.

Watch for :

• Series II Daylight Ranch to Modular
• Series III Old Portland to Victorian