The word "villa" is frequently used when describing home styles and design trends – so frequently, in fact, that it can be difficult to know exactly what it means. Our FAQ will go over what a villa residence is, where the term comes from, and how you can make plans for villa style homes. Anyone interested in building a home or making important renovations on a beloved property should take a look!
What is a Villa Home?
A villa style house is traditionally a more secluded house, often single-level, designed to be a home for a single family, usually on spacious property that puts it at a distance from other houses – or at least come with a private courtyard or other areas that solely belongs to the property owners. These homes often have lengthy driveways that help set them back from the road a bit for more privacy.
However, villa has also become a common term to describe residential property of all kinds and has been used so much that there are a number of competing definitions in the United States! Villas can have many different appearances and price ranges, but they are generally associated with privacy. The term villa may also be used to describe property made for vacations or vacation rentals.
Where Does the Villa Floor Design Come From?
The name villa comes from ancient Rome, where it described a residence owned by wealthy citizens that served as a retreat from the populace, or a vacation estate on rich land. They were specifically designed to be as self-sufficient as possible and were frequently the site of vineyards or other important crops. Even today, the word villa is often associated with resorts, luxury, and getting away from everyday life.
What is the Difference Between Villa Homes and Townhouses?
A townhouse is generally a smaller home designed as an attached unit also called patio homes, with two to four townhouse units per building. Unlike a traditional villa plan, a townhouse is not freestanding, but may be more affordable – and townhouses are easier to find closer to city centers for those who prefer to be near activity.
However, as we mentioned, the word villa has many different connotations: In some areas, townhouses are called "attached villas," which doesn't mean much, but is used as a way to differentiate them from condos and apartments, since townhouses frequently have yards and other amenities associated with freestanding houses. Townhouses, like villas, are also individually owned.
Do Villa Home Communities Exist?
A villa community may sound like an oxymoron – but you can find (villa communities in Fort Wayne, IN, where property lots are large and planned so that single family homes can be more set back and secluded. Because of this, villas are less likely to be associated with HOAs or other community requirements…although, again, this can vary. Villa communities may also be more associated with retirement homes or vacation/resort homes, although this isn't a requirement.
Are Villas More Expensive Than Other Homes?
They can be. While historical villas were often large manors, villas today can be many different sizes. However, villas are still associated with more property space for that special, secluded feeling, which can also be more expensive to purchase. Those interested in building the villa of their dreams may want to consider finding the right property lot with plenty of room first and planning their villa home around it.
Can You Build a Custom Villa Home?
Absolutely. There is no set style that villas have to resemble. Some people create villas to mimic Italian architecture and the "vineyard" feel as much as possible, but this is certainly not a requirement. When you think about what style makes a home feel secluded, idyllic, and beautiful, that's probably what a villa should look like for you.
While a villa construction plan is easy to personalize, some lots are better for villas than others: More spacious lots provide more privacy, and make it easier to plan for villa-friendly additions such as terraces, courtyards, large patios, luxurious gardens, and similar features. However, even smaller lots can be creatively customized for a villa style, especially with walls or trees that help provide seclusion.
Can You Convert a Home to a Villa?
There are many renovations that can make a house feel more like a villa when it comes to privacy and luxury. Villa renovations are especially effective on farmhouses and other homes that sit on larger lots, but can be applied to any home.
How Do I Get Started on Villa Model House Plans?
Contact us! Lancia Homes will be happy to talk about your Villa house plans, and what sort of project you have in mind. We offer safe Zoom meetings for those who prefer it and can go over design and renovation processes, so you know exactly what to expect. Send us a message today, take a look at the latest tour dates, and we will contact you for further arrangements!
