17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (2024)

Design Styles

Architecture

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (1)

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

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Updated on 03/29/22

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17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (2)

FromMorocco to Miami and Santa Barbara to San Sebastián,Mediterranean home design encompasses a variety of styles steeped and history and influences. One thing is certain: It's a style that endures and continues to gain fans throughout the years. With careful planning and a skilled architect, modern Mediterranean-style homes can combine features that blend the best of old world style with modern lifestyles.

Mediterranean architecture becamepopular in the early 20th century in places like Southern California, Texas, and Florida: areas that enjoy warm climates similar to the countries and cities along the Mediterranean Sea. While styles vary they share an emphasis on the home as a retreat and sanctuary and offereasy access to the outdoors via wide doors and windows, terraces, atriums, and patios. Notable architects who used Mediterranean influences in their designs include Bertram Goodhue, George Kaufmann, Julia Morgan, and Wallace Neff.

Forms of Mediterranean architecture include:

  • Spanish Colonial and Spanish Colonial Revival
  • Mediterranean Revival
  • Italian Villa
  • Moroccan
  • Pueblo
  • Hacienda
  • Mission Revival
  • Neo-Mediterranean, which is also known as Spanish style
  • Monterey
  • Spanish Eclectic

Key features of Mediterranean home design include:

  • Aconnection and easy transition between indoors and outdoors
  • Spaciousness created by high-beamed ceilings and archways
  • Eclectic: mixing old styles with modern tastes
  • Stucco
  • Red-tile roofs
  • Arches above doors, windows, and porches or balconies
  • Rough-hewn wood or carved doors
  • Brick
  • Stone
  • Ceramic tile
  • Wrought-iron (not rod iron) grillwork and railings
  • An emphasis on natural materials
  • Outdoor spaces, like patios, courtyards, balconies, terraces, etc.
  • Outdoor water features: fountains, ponds, pools, etc.

Join us for an international tour of magnificent Mediterranean homes, from petite properties to expansive estates.

  • 01 of 17

    Spanish-Style Flair

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (3)

    Inspired by Spanish Revival architecture of the early 20th century,this home designed byCW Architectureof Scottsdale, Arizona, was built in 2011. Among the one-story home's Mediterranean features are smooth stucco, Cantera stone, clay tile accents, reclaimed wooden doors, and a Spanish style entry courtyard.

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  • 02 of 17

    Estate with a Private Winery

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (4)

    On 12 acres in Northern California's Los Altos hills is a Mediterranean home with a private winery and four acres of vineyards. Designed by Noel Cross Architects, the idea for this structure was influenced by buildings of Italy'sTuscany region. The architects imported salvaged clay barrel tiles from Europe for the winery's roof and used integral color plaster for exterior and interior walls. Features that are distinctly Tuscan includeminimal eave overhangs, vertically proportionedwindow and door openings, the plaster walls, clay roof, and arched loggia.

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    Montecito Mediterranean

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (5)

    In the beautiful seaside town of Montecito, near Santa Barbara, the owners of a Spanish Colonial Revival enlisted the help ofThompson Naylor Architects to remodel an existing patio. Teaming with the interior designer and landscape architect, the firm designed a roofed enclosure and integrated the patio with a private pool and garden.

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  • 04 of 17

    Tuscan Home in the Rockies

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (6)

    Far from the Mediterranean or at least Mediterranean climates,Centre SkyArchitecturedesigns and builds ranches, resorts, and custom homes in the Rocky Mountains. A Tuscan-inspired home might be the last thing you'd expect in a mountain town, but that affinity for working with natural materials translates well with this rustic, modern Mediterranean. This 4,500 square-foot home is surrounded by meadows of wildflowers. On the outside, rich and varied materials include recycled, old planking, stone, slate roofing and stucco, andcopper to add a rich texture.

    What Is Tuscan Architecture?

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  • 05 of 17

    Carmel Valley Hacienda

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (7)

    All but destroyed in a previous remodeling attempt, architect Tom Meaney was challenged with restoring and rethinking a 1920s estate. Most of the interior needed to be removed and reconfigured to both reflect the original style of the house and incorporate features and updates to bring it current with contemporary lifestyles. Working with landscape architect Joni Janecki and Associates and contractor Rocky Maguire, Meaney built a stunning hacienda near Monterey, California, with a large courtyard that is a main feature.

    Spanish/Mediterranean features include handmade roof tiles, brushed cedar windows, and hand-painted ceramic tiles.

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  • 06 of 17

    El Rancho in Austin, Texas

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (8)

    Located in the Austin, Texas, suburb of Georgetown, this 7,000 square-foot estate is thoroughly modern but uses Mediterraneanmaterials like rough stone, smooth plaster, terra cotta, and features like fountains, arches, and a tile roof.The RJSB Ranch was a joint project of builderSteve Richmond Fine HomesandJ. Bryant Boyd Architecture.

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    Montecito Mediterranean Home

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (9)

    Amecca for Mediterranean style homes, this estate in the California coastal town of Montecito had a large, thirsty lawn that needed to be replaced with something more drought tolerant.Montecito Landscapecreated a gravel patio edged with columnar Italian cypress trees. Other indigenous plants that surround the central pond, fountain, and estate include California natives like rosemary, sages, lavender, and marina strawberry tree (Arbutus 'Marina').

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  • 08 of 17

    Spanish Revival Home

    A two-story Spanish revival home in Parkland, Florida, needed continuity among separate sections of its front yard. With a focus on the front entrance,Dreamscapes by Zurycombined various plants and rocks to draw the eye both up and outward to the edges of the property. Dreamscapes brought elements together by creating a pattern in the rock gardens that allows the landscape to flowfrom one area to the other.

    Using plants native to the region, Dreamscapes' goal was to enhance the home's Mediterranean beauty and not have any landscape features overshadow it. e only want to enhance the beauty of the home, not overshadow it. Tall, slim cypress trees do not block features like the home's arched windows and doors, while curving palm trees repeat the shapes.

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  • 09 of 17

    Orange County Mission Influence

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (11)

    Most of the homes in California's Orange County were built during the housing boom after World War II. Since the mid 1960s architectural styles of the region have often been influenced by the nearby missions (like San Juan Capistrano) and earlier Spanish Colonial Revival buildings of the area. Conceived byGlover + Graham Design Collectivethis home and landscape combine classic Mediterranean details that make it look like a very well-maintained older home with some subtle, more modern tweaks.

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    Textural Mediterranean Home Masterpiece

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (12)

    A multi-level Mediterranean house features a rough-stone facade, iron grillwork, and red-tile roofing. To echo that old world look,Ancient Surfacesused authentic limestone in the courtyard, which reflects the color and textures found throughout the home.

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    A 1930s Spanish Colonial

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (13)

    A 1930s-built one-story Spanish Colonial home in LA's Mar Vista area received a smart and period-appropriate update by owners and architectsHsu McCullough. Among the upgrades: repurposed rustic lumber, vintage steel windows, and carved-wood doors. The architects also added a private outdoor living spade that include a fire pit and raised decks.

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    Mediterranean Revival Bungalow

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (14)

    Sarasota, Florida, is famous for its post-World War II architecture, known as Sarasota Modern. This petite bungalow in downtown Sarasota's Burns Court district was built in the mid 1920s by architect Thomas Reed Martin. Working with interior designer Ellen Hanson,Nautilus Homespatched and refinished flooring,reconfigured the bungalow's roof, replaced all windows. Exterior walls were built varying levels to offer privacy in some areas, yet allow passersby to view the bungalow's clean design and smooth, off-white stucco.

    The project is a standout for its simplicity, use of materials that are distinctly Mediterranean Revival, and retaining the home's architectural and historical integrity. Heavy or excessive ornamentation would have dwarfed the home. Instead, we see hints of its origins in the terra cotta roof tile, ceramic tile porch, simple iron handrail, and the Moorish/Moroccan detail above the windows and doors.

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    A Garden Inspired by a Honeymoon

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (15)

    An enclosed courtyard garden is a place to relax and provides a calming entry to a 1920s-era house in LA's Hanco*ck Park neighborhood. To achieve this, Naomi Sanders Landscape Design had a central ornamental pear tree pruned for a more sculptural effect. Sanders chose a minimal planting pallet to emphasize texture, using shades of green, white, red, dark purple, and even black. Hardscape design connects with the homeowners' honeymoon: it reminds them of a path they took on a romantic walk to a restaurant in Spain.

    The texture and color of the concrete was custom matched to the home's exterior and architectural elements. Mediterranean garden plants include pittosporum, pomegranate, dianella, liriope, privet, azalea, and Japanese maple 'Bloodgood'.

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  • 14 of 17

    Miami Beach Mediterranean Modern

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (16)

    Built in 1934 for the Hoover family of Hoover vacuum fame, this Mediterranean Modern home in Miami features classic architectural elements like stucco walls, red-tile roofing, arched windows and doors, wrought-iron grillwork, and brick outdoor surfaces.Margaux Interiorsworked with furnishings collected by the owner during her worldwide travels. The house is 5,000 square feet, has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and lots of breathtaking gardens.

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    Croatian Mediterranean Home

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (17)

    In the small Croatian village of Bicine is a modern interpretation of Spanish Colonial architecture known as Hirundo Rustica. Designed by Rosa Gres, the multi-family house (which is rented out for travelers), features rugged stonework, a terra cotta roof, patios with two swimming pools, courtyards, walkways, water features, saunas, and a children's play area.

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    Mediterranean Landscaping

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (18)

    A home and guest cottage in San Rafael, California, received a new driveway and landscaping that complement its classic California-Mediterranean architecture. Nearly half of the driveway paving was removed; in its place is flagstone paving and decomposed granite (DG). Designed bySimmonds & Associates, the garden and planters feature natives that harmonize with the house.

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    Spanish Eclectic Modern

    17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (19)

    Parkland Estates in Tampa, Florida,is an upscale neighborhood that features both new and old homes in a variety of architectural styles. This one is considered Spanish Eclectic Modern, andHittmeier Design Consultantsoversaw updates that included a swim-up bar, stairs, awnings, and grillwork.

23 Mediterranean Pool Designs and Ideas

17 Breathtaking Mediterranean Homes We Want to Live In (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of Mediterranean homes? ›

Not suited for colder climates

The more common headaches apply to those that have a Mediterranean home in colder climates. The larger windows and higher ceilings make the house harder to warm during the winter months, and the stucco exterior isn't a great insulator.

What states have Mediterranean-style homes? ›

Mediterranean homes are most popular in warmer locations with long histories of Spanish influence, such as Santa Barbara, CA, Pasadena, CA, Austin, TX, and Miami, FL. One of the most recognizable examples of a Mediterranean mansion is the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA.

How much does it cost to build a Mediterranean-style house? ›

Building a Mediterranean-style house costs anywhere between $350,000+ to more than a million dollars. The wide range in cost is, of course, due to the variety of factors it takes to build a home, including materials, laborers, seasonality, and location of the house.

What are Mediterranean houses called? ›

Mediterranean architecture is often called Spanish Colonial, Moroccan, Mission Revival, and Neo-Mediterranean, among other names. Despite differences in influences and styles, all Mediterranean-style homes are meant to be a relaxing retreat that connects the homeowner with nature.

What are 5 negatives from the Mediterranean diet? ›

Possible Health Concerns
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products. ...
  • Wine is a common part of a Mediterranean eating style but some people should not drink alcohol.
Jul 30, 2022

Which US state has comparable climate as the Mediterranean? ›

The coast of California has a Mediterranean climate. Daily high temperatures range from 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) in the summer to 50 to 65 °F (10 to 16 °C) in winter, with low temperatures from the 60 °F (16 °C)s in summer to the mid 40s F in winter.

What is the only state with a Mediterranean climate? ›

Abstract. North America's Mediterranean climate zone (NAMCZ) includes most of California, southwestern Oregon, a slice of western Nevada, and northwestern Baja California, Mexico.

What state has the best luxury houses? ›

Top Luxury Real Estate Destinations in the US
  • Los Angeles, California:
  • Miami, Florida:
  • Aspen, Colorado:
  • Chicago, Illinois:
  • Dallas, Texas:
  • Seattle, Washington:
  • Park City, Utah:
  • Napa Valley, California:
Sep 15, 2023

What type of roof does a Mediterranean house have? ›

“Typical exterior elements for the Mediterranean style include a stucco-finished exterior and a low-pitched gable, clay terracotta-clad roof. Arched openings are often employed sometimes with ironwork railings or plantings in temperate climates.

Why do people like Mediterranean houses? ›

Mediterranean homes are unique in their exterior appearance. The stucco walls add a textured look that are painted in warm colors such as terracotta, beige or cream. The remarkable red tiled roof adds timelessness and warmth to the home.

What does a modern Mediterranean house look like? ›

Generally, homes in the style are airy and light, and they put a large emphasis on indoor-outdoor living spaces. “Some of the characteristics that evoke Mediterranean style include terra-cotta tile roofs, arched doorways, decorative ironwork and painting, carved wood, and natural stone,” Andrews says.

Why do Mediterranean houses have flat roofs? ›

Arid regions like the Middle East mainly built flat roofs as insulation from heat. Concrete or masonry was also used since timber is scarce. To divert snow or rainfall in cold climates, pitched or sloped roofs were used extensively.

What type of windows do Mediterranean houses have? ›

Casem*nt windows are a popular operating style in these homes. They can be tall and narrow while standing alone, or come in pairs of two. Tall windows, sometimes arched, are often seen in a walk out bow, which are bow windows that extend to the floor of a curved wall.

What makes a Mediterranean house unique? ›

Main Characteristics

The exterior of Mediterranean homes typically feature a red-tiled roof (usually terra cotta), as well as brick or stucco that's often painted white. Stone details, carved doors, and raw iron and metalwork on windows, over balconies, and front doors are other common features.

What are Mediterranean house walls made of? ›

Stucco walls.

A stucco finish protects exterior wall surfaces from rain, sunlight and hot temperatures, common in Mediterranean climates.

What is the difference between Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes? ›

Spanish homes — with stucco walls, tile roofs and bright tiles — are complemented by organic reds and greens. Mediterranean homes, influenced by Spain and other south European countries, boast plaster walls, balconies and fountains, which shine next to earthy reds and browns, mid-tone blue-greens, and dark grays.

What are the problems with the Mediterranean climate? ›

Coastal zones face heightened disaster risks, including flooding and erosion, and the salinization of river deltas and aquifers that sustain food security and livelihoods. The Mediterranean is home to more than 510 million people. By 2050, water demand is projected to double or even triple.

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