Few – if any – parts of the country have a more historic collection of architectural styles than New England. From Colonial to Cape Cod, Farmhouse, Georgian, Shingle, and others, New England plans are pure Americana. Here’s a descriptive guide to five iconic New England house styles that date to the original 13 Colonies.

Whether in a farm country setting or a sophisticated urban environment, barn style architecture is emerging as an exciting residential design option. The rustic look of a barn, with its open spaces, is fascinating and capturing the fancy of Americans who are looking for a different aesthetic for their family homes.

If presidents are defined by their homes, Rancho del Cielo – a 688-acre ranch nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains – truly represented Ronald Reagan, who was a Westerner at heart. In this rural property about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, the 40th President of the United States found peace, beauty, and serenity.

If you’ve been paying attention to trends in home design and décor, you’ve likely noticed the familiar lines and patterns of the mid-century modern look that dominated the decades between the 1930s and late 1960s. This timeless and sleek design style is also making an impression in the residential construction industry.

Set your imagination free, and join us on a fantastic ride for a detailed look at five of the world’s architectural wonders – and most expensive properties – on the sale block. As you marvel at these spectacular estates, we also offer some fascinating and attractive options at a more realistic budget.

Inspired by the simplicity, efficiency, and craftsmanship of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes, Joseph Eichler embarked on a new and challenging career in real estate development in the late 1940s. His bold vision of creating beautifully designed but affordable homes for middle-class families introduced the world to the “California Modern” style.

Throw in a little Spanish Colonial, a dash of the Native American, terracotta roofs and arches. Voila! You get a picture of the wonderful Southwest style house plan blending into the desert landscape with its charm, warmth, and splashes of color in the interior and exterior designs.

Taking a page from the carriage houses of the late 18th century that were later converted into rental rooms, workshops, and studios, today’s garage apartments are a step up in style, luxury, and efficiency. We look at these trendy and imaginative living spaces for college-age children, overnight guests, in-laws, and more.

Perhaps some of the more interesting – and overlooked – exterior features of a home are the window shutters of various shapes, designs, and colors. Forget about the kitchen and the porch for a minute, and think about how you can give your home a fresh look with these decorative accents.

The perfect escape from the “concrete jungle” that is city life, 2-story Country style home plans feature warm, welcoming wide spaces and interiors that connect seamlessly with the exterior landscape. From the classic farmhouse to an elegant Craftsman to a chic, contemporary traditional home, these homes accentuate a simple, relaxed, stylish life.