Is a Mediterranean House Right for You?

Ahhh, vacations. All the sights. The super-fruity drinks. The tan lines. But waiting for the next one is painful. So what if you came home to a vacation every day? That’s what owning a Mediterranean-style home feels like. So if you dream of erasing the daily grind surrounded by nothing but open space, fresh breezes and stucco, then we’ve got a lot to talk about.

We’ve done our research. We’ve pored over piles  and piles of info and come up with a bit of a starter course on Mediterranean-style homes, what to look for, and how to get one of your own. So hold on to your banana hammock, and make sure you're covered with an affordable home insurance policy.

What Is a Mediterranean House?

A Mediterranean house is a copycat of the gorgeous homes found throughout Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, and France. Also known as Spanish style (sorry Italy and France), you can always spot one by the red, low-pitched terra cotta-tiled roof, arched doorways and rough plaster exteriors. 

What Unique Features Does a Mediterranean House Have? 

Genetically modified and designed to survive the warm Mediterranean climates, these sassy ol’ houses have some pretty distinct features that make them gosh darn desirable, like: Single stories, open-style layout, large exterior windows, low-pitched tiled roof, stucco or brick siding, plaster finished, curved windows, hallmark archways, verandas, balconies, courtyards, swimming pools, open gardening, elements to keep it real breezy.

Of course, all of these features are for more than just good looks. Form marries function with tile floors that help keep the house cool, and the open floor plans allow for a nice breeze, beautiful views and some sweet echoes.

Where Can I Find a Mediterranean-style House?

If you’re looking to purchase a Mediterranean-style house and don’t want to have to leave the country, your best bet is to look in California, Florida, and throughout the Southwest. So popular in the hot climates along the Mediterranean for their magical cooling powers, the all-too-similar climate concerns in these locations have made them a big part of the local landscape.

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How Much Does a Mediterranean House Cost to Build?

A quick Google search will provide you with a variety of Mediterranean-style house plans. Depending on the size of the house you want and the house plan that works best for you, building your own can range anywhere from $350,000 to more than a million dollars. But hey, when has a vacation ever been cheap?

What to Consider Before Purchasing or Building a Mediterranean House

While you may already be reaching for your checkbook, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Adjust for location: If you decide to build your own Mediterranean-style house and it’s in a cool, damp climate, you’ll need to protect your tile roof from moisture.
• Renew the walls: Traditionally, the walls of Mediterranean homes are plastered with lime, which allows the walls to breathe. It’s common to refresh the lime coating on a yearly basis.
• Take care of the flooring: Like any flooring, proper cleaning solutions will help maintain the integrity of those terra cotta tiles. 

Can You Remodel a Mediterranean House? 

Sure, you can remodel any home. But whether you want to mess with the beauty and tradition of a Mediterranean house is another story. 

You’ll also most likely run into issues dealing with the tile roof and lack of airtightness on the exterior of the home. It’s best to say that if you want to remodel a home, don’t choose a traditional gem like a Mediterranean house.

If you’re ready to bring that coastal culture into your house (literally), we wish you luck in finding your perfect Mediterranean house—and make sure you're covered with an affordable home insurance policy.