What Are Beach Houses Called? (10 Styles Explained)

Ahoy there! Ever wanted to live in a beautiful beach house, but you’re not sure which kind?

In this article, I will talk about 10 different kinds of beach houses you can check out – ranging from small huts to massive villas!

Let’s check out 10 different kinds of beach houses:

Bungalow

A small to medium-sized bungalow-style beach house has a low-pitched roof, a large front porch, and a compact floor plan.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick are commonly used to give the house a rustic, beachy feel. Bungalows are perfect for those who want a cozy, low-maintenance home with easy access to the beach and natural beauty.

Bungalow houses can be found in many different places but are most commonly in neighborhoods and communities built in the early to the mid-20th century.

These charming homes were especially popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom during this time, and many can still be found in these countries today.

Cottage

Recognizable by their small size and simple design, beach cottages are typically one or two stories tall, with a small footprint that makes them perfect for a beachfront property.

They’re often painted in soft, soothing colors that reflect the surrounding ocean, and they’re made with plenty of windows and doors to let in natural light and sea breezes.

Inside, beach cottages are usually decorated casually and nautically, emphasizing comfort and relaxation. Many beach cottages feature open floor plans that make them feel more spacious than they are.

They often include cozy reading nooks, comfortable seating areas, and other charming details that make them feel like a home away from home.

From the shores of Hawaii to the beaches of Cape Cod, these charming homes are a popular choice for anyone who loves the beach lifestyle!

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Hut

Beach huts were designed to be simple and budget-friendly, making them a popular choice for anyone who wants a beachfront getaway without breaking the bank.

Beach huts are usually only big enough for one or two people, and they’re often built on stilts to protect them from high tides and storms. They typically feature a simple interior with just enough space for a bed, a small seating area, and a few basic amenities like a mini-fridge and a hot plate.

What beach huts lack in size, they make up for in charm and character. Many beach huts are painted bright and decorated with fun, beach-themed details like seashells, starfish, and surfboards.

They often have a small deck or porch perfect for enjoying coffee or wine while watching the sunset over the ocean!

From Australia’s sandy shores to the United Kingdom’s rocky coastline, beach huts can be found worldwide.

Villa

Beach villa houses are typically larger than other beach houses, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and plenty of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

They’re designed to provide a high-end vacation experience, with features like private pools, outdoor kitchens, and even home theaters. Definitely, luxurious villas are synonymous with expensive vacations, beautiful honeymoons, and getaways for the rich and famous.

Beach villa houses often feature modern, sleek designs with clean lines and plenty of natural light. They’re decorated with high-quality furnishings and finishes, creating a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere.

What sets beach villa houses apart from other beach houses is their emphasis on luxury and comfort. They’re designed for those who want to relax and unwind in style, with every convenience and amenity at their fingertips.

Shingle-Style

Shingle-style beach houses are known for their asymmetrical design, wood shingles and stone, and large wraparound porches that provide stunning ocean views.

These homes often feature a muted color palette that complements the beach landscape, and the use of natural materials gives them a warm and inviting feel.

One thing that sets shingle-style beach houses apart from other types is their use of architectural details like turrets, gables, and dormers, giving them a unique and distinctive appearance.

Shingle-style beach houses often have spacious, open floor plans perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. They may also feature cozy fireplaces and built-in bookshelves.

Shingle-style beach houses can be found in the Northeastern United States. They are often associated with wealthy resort towns and are a popular choice for those looking for a luxurious beach home.

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Coastal-Style

What sets coastal-style beach houses apart from other beach houses is their emphasis on natural materials and colors.

Coastal-style homes often feature soft, neutral colors that reflect the beach’s natural beauty, such as sandy beige, seafoam green, and soft blues.

In terms of design, coastal-style beach houses have open floor plans, large windows to let in natural light, and plenty of outdoor living spaces like porches and decks.

These homes are perfect for those who want to make the most of the beach lifestyle, with plenty of space for entertaining guests, relaxing with family and friends, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

Coastal-style beach houses can be found anywhere but are often located in beachfront neighborhoods and communities offering easy ocean access and other beach activities.

Cabana

Cabana homes are typically smaller and simpler than other types of beach houses, and they are a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a day spent in the sun and surf.

They have an open-air design, are rustic and made of wood and thatch, and are usually located right on the beach. Cabanas are usually just one or two rooms, with open walls allowing plenty of fresh air and sea breezes.

Unlike other beach houses, which often have more traditional indoor living spaces like kitchens and living rooms, cabanas are a place to relax and enjoy the beach’s natural beauty. That’s because they aren’t often used as a whole “house,” but rather more of a beach shack or shanty for drinking, tanning, and listening to music with friends.

Beach cabana houses can be found in many different tropical locations around the world, from the sandy shores of Mexico to the palm-lined beaches of the Caribbean.

They’re often associated with luxury resorts and beach clubs, but they can also be rented by individuals looking for a unique and unforgettable beach experience.

Mediterranean-Style

Mediterranean-style beach houses, also known as Spanish-style beach houses, are a popular architectural style characterized by stucco walls, red tile roofs, and ornate details.

These houses typically feature curved archways, wrought iron details, and colorful tiles, which give them a distinct, exotic look.

Mediterranean-style beach houses are known for their distinctive look and unique charm compared to other beach houses. These houses are also often built on large plots of land, giving you plenty of space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors.

They stand out with their bold, colorful tiles, intricate wrought iron details, and arched doorways, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to make a statement with their homes.

You can find Mediterranean-style beach houses worldwide, but they are especially popular in areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as California, Florida, and the Mediterranean region.

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Cape Cod-style

Cape Cod-style beach houses have steeply pitched roofs, central chimneys, and a symmetrical appearance.

They often feature clapboard siding, shutters, and dormer windows. The interiors of these homes tend to be cozy and functional, focusing on practicality over extravagance.

What makes Cape Cod-style beach houses unique is their history. These homes were first built by early settlers in the 17th century and were designed to withstand the harsh coastal climate of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

They were often built using local materials like cedar and had a simple, practical design.

Today, Cape Cod-style beach houses are still popular and can be found throughout the eastern seaboard. Many people choose these homes for their timeless charm and durability in the face of coastal weather.

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Contemporary

Contemporary beach houses have sleek, modern designs, geometric shapes, and large windows. Their focus on minimalism and simplicity sets contemporary beach houses apart from other beach house styles.

They often feature open floor plans that create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces and may incorporate materials like concrete, steel, and glass to give the home a more industrial feel.

Contemporary beach houses are often found in popular vacation spots like the Hamptons, Malibu, and Miami Beach. They are a popular choice for those who want a modern and stylish beach house that still maintains a connection to the surrounding environment.

They are also a fan favorite among the rich and famous!

Whether you prefer a more traditional beach house style or are drawn to the sleek lines of contemporary architecture, there are plenty of options for beach house design.

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your taste, lifestyle, and the unique characteristics of the location where you plan to build or buy your beach house.

Sources:

Styles – Coastal House Plans from Coastal Home Plans

Cape Cod Architecture | HGTV

What is the Mediterranean House Style? – Elle Decor

26 Beautiful and Beachy Shingle Style Homes