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What is a Wrap Around Porch?

Answer:
As the name suggests, a wrap around porch literally

wraps around two or more exterior walls of a house. This architectural detail is often found in warmer regions, since the interior rooms may have become too hot or too cold for comfortable socializing in the days before central heating and air conditioning.

A wrap around porch is often associated with Southern-style homes designed during the 19th century. Because the interior rooms could be difficult to keep cool in the summer months, a wrap around porch was viewed as a viable alternative for receiving and entertaining guests or taking advantage of a cooling breeze and shade. A classic wrap around porch usually featured several seating areas, including porch swings, wicker chairs, rocking chairs and small tables to hold beverages or food. Some wrap around porches also feature ceiling fans for improved air circulation and electrical outlets to power reading lamps and other devices.

Strategically placed steps allow access to the wrap around porch, and there may also be a number of doors in the main house which access the porch directly. While modern heating and cooling systems may have eliminated the need for a large porch area, many potential home buyers still consider a wrap around porch to be a desirable design element. A wrap around porch which encompasses the entire building can provide home owners and visitors a number of vantage points to enjoy a picturesque view, curl up with a good book, or sit outside and socialize when the weather permits.


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