Picturesque Homes Provide a Beautiful Glimpse Into Texas’ Past
During the 19th century, the plains and prairies of rural Texas were dotted with simple, functional homes constructed in an architectural style known as Texas Vernacular.
Now that style has been given a refresh. Think palatial, rectangular houses with projected porches, stone facades with exposed wooden beams and brackets, and metal roofing. This style can be seen throughout Texas as well as in our favorite Fort Worth neighborhoods.
Walsh is continuing the Texas Vernacular architectural tradition, albeit with a bit of a facelift. Using columns and beams with wide, open spaces between, these homes will take advantage of readily available materials like stone, stucco and siding to become an extension of the natural environment surrounding them.
As these homes begin to populate the Walsh neighborhood, residents will see variations including homes with deep, wide porches or verandas (perfect for comfortable outdoor gathering places), stone or brick facades, and steeply pitched roofs covered with shingles in a weathered wood color or seam sheet metal.
These rectangular-shaped houses will run parallel to the street and provide beautiful views of the canopy shade trees lining the sidewalks. Many will contain side wings or bay windows supported by exposed wooden brackets.
Square cedar posts will adorn the front porch areas. Chimneys, overhangs, and roof eaves, containing exposed rafters and brackets, add architectural interest. Inside, high ceilings and bay windows reinforce the “living outdoors” concept of Walsh.
In keeping with the community’s vision to honor the rich architectural heritage of Fort Worth and the Lone Star State, and maintaining a connection with outdoor living, the Texas Vernacular architectural style will be a perfect fit.
By Diann Nichols
