Mediterranean Style Homes in Washington DC Metro Area

While not as common as other design styles in the Washington Metropolitan area, Mediterranean homes for sale certainly have a presence. These are typically found in the high end sector and comprise some of the most opulent listings in the region’s real estate marketplace.

Mediterranean architecture refers to that which originates from (or is influenced by) the Mediterranean countries. These include Spain, France and Italy, all which border the Mediterranean Sea itself. There are more nations than those alone in the region, but those are the countries most associated with a particularly lavish design style that often includes stucco exteriors, tile roofs and large property lots. Interior gardens and/or courtyards are other common elements.

Other architectural elements can include low-pitched roofs, broad overhangs, porticos and archways leading to front entrances and/or patios, and tall arched windows. You’ll often find the facades painted in white, off-white or light earth tones.

These sun-splashed villas are also associated with Spanish and Italianate architecture, and emerged in the DC area during the early 1920’s and lasting until the early 1940s. In more recent years there has been a resurgence of this style with new custom construction, often associated with lavish waterfront properties for sale.

Mediterranean homes for sale in the Washington Metro area—including the District, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Maryland—don’t account for a large number of active listings.  Regardless, you will find these luxury homes here and there, in communities like Belle Haven and Mount Vernon in Alexandria; McLean in Fairfax; and Bethesda and Potomac in Maryland.

Additionally, it is not uncommon to find Mediterranean, Spanish or Italianate architecture associated with Washington DC embassies and their surrounding neighborhoods. And even though these large homes and estates usually sell for well over a million dollars, there are also some interesting pockets of smaller or modest properties exhibiting these International influences, scattered throughout the region.

Don’t expect to find a wealth of stucco homes with red tile roofs in the DC area—this isn’t sunny California, after all. But if you really want to do some digging, you may find some Mediterranean gems. To learn more, call District Partners at Compass, 202-798-3600.