What is Acadian Southern Style?

A traditional Acadian-style house has a steep-sloped and gabled roof and one-and-a-half stories of living space, often with a central staircase and rear kitchen. Typically, Acadian homes are constructed of brick or stone, and they often feature covered front porches and window shutters

The history of Acadian-style homes goes back to the 18th-century Acadians, who were descendants of French settlers that migrated from France through Canada. The first Acadian-style homes originated in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, their sloping roofs making them a popular choice in the snowy, moist climate. In the mid-1700s, Acadians began settling in swampy southern Louisiana. Along with their traditional pole frames and sloping roofs, ten Brinke says builders often constructed Acadian-style homes on piers to avoid moisture and insect issues for homeowners, who likely lived in flood-prone swamps.

1. Dormer Windows
   A dormer is a window that is typically set vertically on a sloping roof. The dormer has its own roof, which may be flat, arched, hipped, pointed, or ornamented.
2. Large Front Porch
   To make living in the humid climates of the South as comfortable as possible, Southern house plans make use of large front porches to catch breezes.
3. Sloping, Gabled Roofs
   Originating in Europe, the roof style is highly distinguishable. Extremely preferable for cold winters, the roof of Acadian homes is quite steep which helps the easier flow of snow. Some of the multi-leveled Acadian homes even have projected gables and hips to add a dynamic character to the facades.