(Mostly) Regional Forms ~ The Undercut. I have posted a house in St. Francisville, Louisiana, as an example of a common Deep South house form – the “undercut.” Architecture is often adapted to the climate of the region where it is located. Certain adaptions become common enough to become characteristic of a region and the “undercut form” is such an adaption in the American South.
These houses have porches “cut out” of the main body of the house, i.e. covered by the primary roof. In other regions, porches more often are added onto the exterior with their own separate roof. This house form is generally not found in Northern houses of the same period.
But examples can be found in the North. This lovely example with Greek Revival detailing is such a rarity. It is located in Groton, Massachusetts and was likely built between 1830 and 1850.
Twenty-five architectural styles and forms are described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Want to learn more about historic houses? Save on The Restorer’s Library Essentials combo pack includes “Restoring Your Historic House,” Michael Litchfield’s “Renovation: 5th Edition,” and Virginia McAlester’s “Field Guide to American Houses” in our shop. Combo packs are discounted from the individual book prices, and you save on shipping too!
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© Scott T. Hanson 2026.
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