Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan : Gallery House Plans

Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan: A Timeless Classic

The Center Hall Colonial floor plan is a classic American architectural style that has been popular for centuries. This timeless design is characterized by its central hallway, which runs from the front to the back of the house and divides the home into two symmetrical wings. The Center Hall Colonial floor plan is known for its spaciousness, symmetry, and elegant proportions.

History and Origins

The Center Hall Colonial floor plan originated in England during the Georgian period (1714-1830). Georgian architecture is known for its symmetry, classical details, and grand scale. The Center Hall Colonial floor plan was brought to America by English colonists in the 17th century and quickly became a popular design for homes throughout the country.

Characteristics of a Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan

Center Hall Colonial floor plans typically have the following characteristics:

A central hallway that runs from the front to the back of the house
Two symmetrical wings on either side of the hallway
A formal living room and dining room on one side of the hallway, and a kitchen and family room on the other side
A grand staircase in the center of the hallway
A symmetrical facade with a central pediment or gable

Advantages of a Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan

There are several advantages to choosing a Center Hall Colonial floor plan for your home:

Spaciousness: Center Hall Colonial floor plans are typically very spacious, with large rooms and high ceilings.
Symmetry: The symmetry of a Center Hall Colonial floor plan creates a sense of balance and harmony.
Elegant proportions: The proportions of a Center Hall Colonial floor plan are often very elegant, with rooms that are well-proportioned and pleasing to the eye.
Timeless appeal: Center Hall Colonial floor plans have been popular for centuries and are likely to remain popular for many years to come.

Disadvantages of a Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan

There are also a few disadvantages to consider when choosing a Center Hall Colonial floor plan:

Cost: Center Hall Colonial floor plans can be more expensive to build than other types of floor plans, due to their size and complexity.
Energy efficiency: The large, open spaces of a Center Hall Colonial floor plan can be difficult to heat and cool efficiently.
Privacy: The central hallway of a Center Hall Colonial floor plan can sometimes create a lack of privacy between the different rooms of the house.

Variations on the Center Hall Colonial Floor Plan

There are many variations on the Center Hall Colonial floor plan, including:

Two-story Center Hall Colonial: This is the most common type of Center Hall Colonial floor plan. It has two stories above ground level, with the living room and dining room on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second floor.
One-story Center Hall Colonial: This type of Center Hall Colonial floor plan has only one story above ground level. It is typically smaller than a two-story Center Hall Colonial, but it can be a good option for families who want a single-level home.
Raised Center Hall Colonial: This type of Center Hall Colonial floor plan has a raised basement. The basement is typically finished and used as additional living space.
Split-level Center Hall Colonial: This type of Center Hall Colonial floor plan has a split-level design. The living room and dining room are on the main level, the kitchen and family room are on a lower level, and the bedrooms are on an upper level.

Conclusion

The Center Hall Colonial floor plan is a timeless classic that is still popular today for its spaciousness, symmetry, and elegant proportions. While there are some disadvantages to consider, such as the cost and energy efficiency, the advantages of a Center Hall Colonial floor plan often outweigh the disadvantages.