West Indies and British Colonial are two of our most-requested styles — here's how they differ, and which might suit your lot.
## West Indies vs. British Colonial: Choosing Your Coastal Aesthetic
Two of our most requested architectural styles share coastal roots but express very differently on Florida's East Coast. Here's how to choose.
### West Indies Style Defined by deep covered porches, louvered shutters, and metal roofing designed to shed tropical rain, West Indies architecture emphasizes indoor-outdoor living. Homes in this style typically feature elevated first floors, wide overhangs for shade, and a light, breezy color palette.
### British Colonial Style More formal than West Indies, British Colonial homes favor symmetry, columned entries, and refined detailing. Where West Indies leans casual and tropical, British Colonial brings a polished, estate-like presence — popular with buyers wanting coastal proportions with traditional formality.
### Which Fits Your Lot? West Indies tends to suit waterfront and heavily landscaped lots where the architecture can open up to views. British Colonial often reads better on more formal streetscapes or larger estate parcels where symmetry and presence matter more than casual openness.
### Cost Considerations Both styles carry similar cost profiles when built to our standard — the difference comes down to detailing (British Colonial's columned entries and millwork) versus West Indies' emphasis on porch square footage and shutter systems.
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Not sure which fits your vision? Our design team can walk you through both in a free consultation.
Nick
Founder & Master Builder · Golden Temple Home Builders
August 2026 · 5 min read
