Architectural Patterns
The architecture of Charleston Place reflects the laid-back sophistication of the community and the region. It is a place where you can sit on your porch and enjoy the breeze; a place where the homes sit lightly on the land rather than dominate it. Historic and regional patterns can be seen in the architecture through its form, massing, detail, materials and color. Features common to homes in Charleston Place reflect traditional low country, coastal and plantation homes of the South. Deep side gabled roofs, raised foundations, and wide porches that span the facade of the home are all common elements.

Regional Influences
The architecture of Charleston Place is a reflection of the regional context. Taking cues from traditional southern plantation homes and nearby southern coastal towns, the architecture of the community is one of casual sophistication. With refined details and simple layouts, houses in the community are never too stately or fussy. Porches extend interior living space into the outdoors and welcome visitors. Houses are not intended to look alike, but should blend together with the landscape and each other through the use of common elements and materials. The modest elegance of the architecture in Charleston Place creates a beautiful neighborhood pattern.

Lake Home

Proportion and Scale
Oversized or bulky structures are inappropriate in Charleston Place. Balance must be maintained between the size of the structure and the size of the lot, as well as between the house and any additional built structures, such as detached garages. Minimum square footages for homes are 1800 ft2 for one story and 2200 ft2 for two stories and are also limited in size by the building envelopes prescribed in the lot development section of the guidelines (see page 8). Homes should have no more than two stories facing the street, but three stories are appropriate on the back side of the home, if necessary due to topographic changes. Walk-out basements or garages tucked under two main living stories are potentially possible on some lots with enough space and grade change. Each lot in Charleston Place will present a unique opportunity to build with the land. House plans will be reviewed  individually by the DRB for final approval.
The relationship between architectural elements on the facade of the house must also be proportional. Windows, doors, columns, dormers, and porches must all be in balance in order to create a pleasing design characteristic of the Charleston Place style.

Charleston Place Style
There is no concern with a historical or academic architectural period or style in Charleston Place. Homes may have influences from a few different styles that can be found in the area. As long as the house is regionally appropriate, with a few common features and elements, it can be considered a Charleston Place home. For the sake of organization, house types have been divided into three different categories in the Design Guidelines: Carolina 1 1/2  story, Carolina 2 story and Carolina Eclectic styles all describe architectural types that are
appropriate for homes in Charleston Place. Imagery and  short descriptions are used to communicate the three categories on the pages that follow.

       

Carolina Style 1 1/2 Story
The Charleston Place Carolina 11/2 Story Style is inspired by coastal and traditional homes seen throughout the south. The raised foundation adjusts to floodplains and responds well to topographic changes. Large porches across the front of the home are inviting and casual, allowing for lakeside breezes to sweep through. Deep side gabled roofs and dormers provide more living space than a typical one and one-half story home, without becoming vertically overwhelming.
One and one-half story Carolina style homes may consist of one main mass or may have secondary wings or detached garages. This style is the foundation of the subtle sophistication of Charleston Place.

       

Carolina Style 2 Story
The Charleston Place Carolina Style Two Story home is also inspired by traditional southern and coastal homes. A large porch is characteristic of the front of these homes, sometimes wrapping around to the back of the house or extending up to the second story. Two story porches create a more stately presence, with tall columns repeating across the facade of the house.
The massing of the two story home varies depending on the size of the lot and the topography. The main mass may be complemented by secondary wings or side entry garages. As in the one and one-half story homes, the foundations of the two story homes are also elevated to allow for changing topography and natural cooling.
       

Carolina Eclectic Style
The Charleston Place Carolina Eclectic Style describes a home that combines defining elements from a number of academic home styles. Homes of this type often borrow inspiration from Georgian, Colonial, coastal, or Craftsman architecture in configuration and/or detail. Front porches often remain across the front of the house, but may take on a different form, with screens or shutters. Porches may only be a gesture on the first story, with the usable porch space located on the second story or on a secondary wing of the house.
Eclectic homes may be one and one-half or two story and are often best suited for smaller lots. They can be a visual blend of appropriate architectural elements and add interest to the neighborhood streetscape.