A Gulfshore Glossary

Courtyards are generally part of single-family custom homes, although they are also finding a niche in villas and coach homes. Whatever the home type, the courtyard becomes the focal point, providing every room a view of its dramatic landscaping and water features.

Old Florida/Key West/Cracker

This is the traditional Florida home, designed with a purpose. Originally built before the advent of air conditioning and now updated to contemporary tastes, these homes have heat-reflecting tin roofs and wrap-around verandas that provide protective shade between interior and exterior. A cupola or widow's walk typically caps the roof.

Mid-Rise

Mid-rise condominiums are multi-unit homes in buildings ranging from three to five stories high. No matter how many floors a condo might contain, the word itself refers to the complex's living arrangement. Residents share many expenses, paying monthly fees for landscaping and maintenance work, for example. Most have an amenities level that may include fitness centers, Internet cafés, guest suites, dining and game rooms.

High-Rise

High-rises that soar 20 levels and higher are often seen dotting the coastline. Condo price tags often increase in step with altitude and the view it affords. Modern-day high-rises boast all the features of custom homes-extravagant entries or foyers, skylights, interior architectural features such as columns, arches and fanciful ceilings, plus large balconies and custom kitchen.

Carriage

The terms carriage and coach home, often used interchangeably, describe a multifamily home that shares a common wall with its neighbors. These can range dramatically in size-from smaller than 1,000 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. Often grouped in fours, these homes tend to be on smaller lots.