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Some Key Features to Spanish Style Architecture:

• Clay tile roofs. 
  Meant to emulate the missions, roofs are low pitched with broad projecting eaves extending outward over the walls to create protection from the elements. Clay, a Mediterranean building element, came from Spain through Mexico to California.
• Arcaded porches and corridors with arches.
  These elements mimic the cloisters, with stucco walls of broad flat surfaces that emulate the quality of adobe construction.
• Large square pillars and bell towers.
  Houses often have asymmetrical massing with a prominent corner tower, like the California missions.
• Quatrefoil windows.
  Round windows composed of four equal lobes that resemble a four-petaled flower, or windows with a curved top, are common in these homes. Windows in elaborate homes are often surrounded by a geometric ornament that is echoed in the roof parapets.
• Built from Indigenous Components
  Spanish Colonial homes might be made of adobe in the Southwest and coquina rock in Florida.
• Thick, Stucco-Clad Walls
  These types of walls are situated for a hot environment. So, thick walls absorb the day’s heat and gently radiate it back into the building during the cool evenings.
• Small, Open Windows
  Smaller windows, originally sealed by wrought iron grates rather than glass panes, are sited on the building to best capture breezes while avoiding the direct rays of the sun. Wooden shutters, when present, are traditionally mounted on the inside of the home.
• One Story
  The Spanish Colonial is the ancestor of our ranch-style house.
• Limited Ornamentation
  Ornamentation on these informal homes was often limited to arches on entryway’s, principal windows and interior passageways. But, more elaborate homes might feature intricate stone or tile work, detailed chimney tops and square towers.
• Wooden Support Beams
  Wooden roof supports project out over the exterior walls in classic Spanish Colonials.
• Inner Courtyard
  Historically, the courtyard let families move the cooking to accompany heat and steam outside. Today, these patios, porches and courtyards act as informal gathering spots for family, extended family and friends.