Greenwich is one of Connecticut’s most well-known towns for high-end residential design. The area includes coastal enclaves, wooded estates, historic neighborhoods, and new custom-built homes shaped by zoning, lot size, and architectural trends. Homes range from early colonial farmhouses to formal revival mansions, with details tied closely to local land use and material availability.
This guide explores Greenwich's most commonly seen architectural styles and what makes them distinctive in this market.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival homes are among the most consistent styles across Greenwich neighborhoods. These properties draw from early American design, with symmetrical facades, central entrances, and multi-pane windows. Many Colonial Revival homes in Greenwich are built with painted clapboard or brick, often with fluted columns, shutters, and detailed rooflines.
This style remains especially common in central Greenwich and Riverside, where larger lots and tree-lined streets suit the proportions and formal tone of Colonial Revival design. Many homes have been expanded with sunrooms, wings, or updated garages, but the original symmetry and traditional materials are preserved.
This style remains especially common in central Greenwich and Riverside, where larger lots and tree-lined streets suit the proportions and formal tone of Colonial Revival design. Many homes have been expanded with sunrooms, wings, or updated garages, but the original symmetry and traditional materials are preserved.
Shingle Style
Shingle Style homes are prominent in coastal areas like Belle Haven and Old Greenwich. This style uses continuous wood shingles as exterior cladding, often with sweeping rooflines, asymmetrical forms, and deep porches. The layout tends to be less rigid than Colonial homes, allowing for towers, gambrel roofs, and curved wall sections that blend into the landscape.
In Greenwich, Shingle Style homes are often positioned on waterfront lots or elevated parcels with broad views. Natural wood tones or subtle painted finishes are common, with stone foundations and landscaped entries. Architects in this style tend to use custom millwork and intricate roof detailing.
In Greenwich, Shingle Style homes are often positioned on waterfront lots or elevated parcels with broad views. Natural wood tones or subtle painted finishes are common, with stone foundations and landscaped entries. Architects in this style tend to use custom millwork and intricate roof detailing.
Georgian
Georgian homes in Greenwich are typically formal, symmetrical brick residences with a strong sense of proportion. These homes include high ceilings, multi-pane windows arranged in rows, and entryways with columns and fanlights. Roofs are generally hipped with dormers or balustrades.
Georgian homes appear most frequently in the estate sections of mid-country Greenwich, where long driveways, gated entries, and deep setbacks emphasize the formality of the style. Many were built in the early 20th century, though newer homes continue to use Georgian proportions with modern updates.
Georgian homes appear most frequently in the estate sections of mid-country Greenwich, where long driveways, gated entries, and deep setbacks emphasize the formality of the style. Many were built in the early 20th century, though newer homes continue to use Georgian proportions with modern updates.
Modern and Contemporary
Modern architecture in Greenwich is concentrated in backcountry neighborhoods and unique infill lots throughout the town. These homes feature flat or low-pitched roofs, large expanses of glass, minimal ornamentation, and open floor plans. Exterior materials may include steel, stone, wood, and stucco, often used in combinations that highlight texture and contrast.
Properties may include cantilevered structures, green roofs, or floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking woodland or water. Modern architecture here often prioritizes sustainability, with geothermal systems, passive solar orientation, and high-efficiency materials built into the design.
Properties may include cantilevered structures, green roofs, or floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking woodland or water. Modern architecture here often prioritizes sustainability, with geothermal systems, passive solar orientation, and high-efficiency materials built into the design.
French Country and European-Inspired Designs
French Country homes in Greenwich reflect rural European traditions. They have stone or stucco exteriors, arched windows and doorways, and rooflines with steep pitches or flared eaves. Details such as wrought iron balconies, limestone accents, and decorative shutters often appear on these homes.
These homes are found in parts of backcountry Greenwich and near the Stanwich Club, where large lots and custom construction support this scale of design. Many were built in the last 30 years during a period of increased interest in European-inspired luxury. Landscaping around these homes often includes formal gardens, fountains, and motor courts.
These homes are found in parts of backcountry Greenwich and near the Stanwich Club, where large lots and custom construction support this scale of design. Many were built in the last 30 years during a period of increased interest in European-inspired luxury. Landscaping around these homes often includes formal gardens, fountains, and motor courts.
Tudor Revival
Tudor Revival homes are marked by steep gables, half-timbering, leaded windows, and tall, narrow proportions. In Greenwich, this style is most common in older neighborhoods such as Cos Cob and the Post Road corridor. Exteriors often feature a combination of brick and stucco, with stone detailing at entry points and chimneys.
This style contrasts with Colonial and Georgian homes in the same areas, offering a more vertical silhouette and a textured facade. Interiors frequently include wood paneling, arched doorways, and beamed ceilings. These homes appeal to buyers looking for character and historical elements.
This style contrasts with Colonial and Georgian homes in the same areas, offering a more vertical silhouette and a textured facade. Interiors frequently include wood paneling, arched doorways, and beamed ceilings. These homes appeal to buyers looking for character and historical elements.
Mediterranean and Spanish Revival
Mediterranean-inspired homes in Greenwich are less common but stand out for their warm stucco finishes, tile roofs, and arched openings. These homes are often found on custom lots near water or in elevated parts of mid-country Greenwich. Details include decorative tilework, wrought iron railings, and courtyards with fountains or outdoor kitchens.
In Greenwich CT architecture, this style often blends with other influences. Some homes pair Mediterranean features with contemporary interiors or combine tile roofing with shingle siding. These homes work well on sloped lots and are often designed with terraces or balconies to maximize sun exposure and outdoor living.
In Greenwich CT architecture, this style often blends with other influences. Some homes pair Mediterranean features with contemporary interiors or combine tile roofing with shingle siding. These homes work well on sloped lots and are often designed with terraces or balconies to maximize sun exposure and outdoor living.
Farmhouse and New Traditional
A growing number of new builds in Greenwich include a modern interpretation of the farmhouse style. These homes feature gabled roofs, board-and-batten siding, wide porches, and simple rectangular footprints. Interiors are open and functional, emphasizing natural light and high-quality finishes.
These homes appear throughout North Greenwich and on subdivided lots in mid-country. Builders often use white or gray exteriors with black window trim and integrate energy-efficient systems into the build. The design suits clients who want traditional references with open layouts, high ceilings, and minimal ornamentation.
These homes appear throughout North Greenwich and on subdivided lots in mid-country. Builders often use white or gray exteriors with black window trim and integrate energy-efficient systems into the build. The design suits clients who want traditional references with open layouts, high ceilings, and minimal ornamentation.
Find Your Niche in Greenwich With the Tri-Star Team
Ready to explore Greenwich real estate? The Tri-Star Team at Corcoran Centric Realty, led by Ronald Nyman, combines unparalleled experience with deep local knowledge to deliver exceptional results. With 30 years in real estate — as an attorney, investor, property manager, and broker — Ron offers unique insights, ensuring every client receives personalized guidance and strategic advice.
Reach out to The Tri-Star Team at Corcoran Realty today and experience the difference that extensive expertise, personalized service, and dedicated attention make in achieving your real estate goals.
Reach out to The Tri-Star Team at Corcoran Realty today and experience the difference that extensive expertise, personalized service, and dedicated attention make in achieving your real estate goals.
