Building a Custom Villa House Style in South Carolina

“Villa” is one of those real estate words you've probably heard, but you might not know what it means. What is a villa and why are they so well-suited to South Carolina?

Learn more about the villa house style and how you can get your own home with this architecture when you build in Greenville, SC. 

What Are the Characteristics of a Villa?

In ancient Rome, "villa" simply referred to a country house, especially if it was the second home owned by a wealthy city dweller. Villas were typically built on the coast or in the hills as a cool and comfortable escape from the hot Italian summers.

The typical villa was generally all one story with large rooms and big windows. These features helped to capture cool breezes in a time before air conditioning.

Villas also emphasized privacy. They were set back from roads and often had courtyards. Many villa dwellers had gorgeous ornamental gardens or private vineyards.

What About Today's Villas?

Today, a villa typically refers to a Mediterranean-style home that emphasizes privacy and has a backyard or a veranda. Many stick to traditional Roman design with one level and large rooms, but others can have multiple stories and feature many bedrooms.

Villas may be set back far from a public road and have quite a long driveway. The backyard may have a high fence or other privacy features.

Villa is also occasionally used to describe a vacation property. While these villas are often smaller, they still emphasize privacy, luxury, and outdoor living.

How Big Is a Villa?

Today, a villa style house in Greenville, SC can be as big or as small as you need for your family. You may want a more traditional open and airy floorplan downstairs and a set of private bedrooms upstairs.

Can I Build a Villa in South Carolina?

In some ways, South Carolina families aren't all that different from the ancient Romans. They want to have a cool retreat where they can enjoy privacy and take in the natural beauty surrounding them. 

That means a villa-style home is a perfect fit for South Carolina. A custom build is a great way to make sure you get a home that's perfect for your family's needs.

You can include whatever Mediterranean touches you'd like. Popular ones to include are: 

  • Terra cotta tiles

  • Arched doorways

  • Stone and marble features

  • Columns

How Can I Get Started on a Villa Style House in Greenville, SC?

Dakota General Contractors will help you build a  gorgeous villa-style home that meets both your needs and wants. We're skilled builders and have expertise in multiple styles.

If you're ready to discuss your dream villa near Greenville, SC, contact us right away!