When planning to build a custom home in Windsor-Essex, one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make is choosing your architectural style. The region offers a rich blend of traditional and modern influences, making it an ideal location to design a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle. At Sovereign Developments, we specialize in building custom homes across Windsor and Essex County, and we’ve brought to life a variety of styles that continue to inspire homeowners.

Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a classic Tudor or the sleek appeal of a modern design, understanding the defining features of each style can help you decide what suits your vision best. Here’s a breakdown of 13 of the most popular home styles you’ll find in Windsor-Essex, including some examples we’ve proudly built for our clients.

List of Home Styles

1. Modern

• Modern homes are known for clean lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and large expanses of glass. These homes prioritize simplicity, functionality, and open space. We’ve designed and built several modern custom homes across Windsor-Essex, as this is by far the most popular higher end finish to a home in 2025.

2. Ranch

• Ranch homes are typically single-story with long, low profiles and open floor plans. The ranch style home is very popular in residential neighborhoods across Windsor-Essex and especially in the Tecumseh/Lakeshore region.

3. Raised-Ranch

• Similar to the ranch, a raised-ranch is a clever variation that works well on narrow urban lots or sloped properties. With the entryway on a split level, the layout allows for efficient use of space both above and below. In Windsor, we designed a raised ranch with a complete lower-level in-law suite—a popular request as families look to accommodate multiple generations or add a legal rental unit. This style offers excellent flexibility and investment potential.

4. McMansion

• While the term “McMansion” can be controversial, there’s no denying the appeal of spacious, luxurious homes packed with features. These types of McMansions are incredibly popular across LaSalle and Lakeshore. These homes cater to homeowners seeking size, presence, and premium materials on larger plots of land.

5. Tudor

• Tudor-style homes are recognizable by their steeply pitched roofs, tall, narrow windows with small panes, decorative half-timbering, and brick or stone facades. These homes often evoke a sense of old-world romance and craftsmanship. In Windsor-Essex, this style fits beautifully in neighborhoods with mature trees and historic charm. It’s well-suited for clients who want timeless curb appeal with an emphasis on traditional detail and materials.

6. Craftsmen

• Craftsman homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, exposed rafter tails, wide porches, and tapered columns. The style prioritizes handcrafted details and natural materials. It suits smaller infill lots in older Windsor neighborhoods where buyers are looking for cozy, character-rich homes with inviting entrances and artistic flair.

7. Farmhouse

• Inspired by rural agricultural buildings, the farmhouse style emphasizes comfort, warmth, and practicality. Key features include metal roofs, board-and-batten siding, front porches, and gabled roofs. In Windsor-Essex, farmhouses have gained massive popularity in recent years and is one of the biggest exterior home trends of the 2020’s. The modern farmhouse variant blends rustic charm with contemporary elements like black-framed windows and open-concept layouts.

8. Contemporary

• Contemporary homes embrace innovation and current design trends and are very similiar to modern homes however they differ from “modern” homes in that they continually evolve. In Windsor, custom contemporary homes often include smart technology, large-format windows, asymmetrical forms, and minimalist finishes. These homes usually consist of larger modern windows, flat or slanted roofs and a combination of very light and dark elements. Contemporary style homes are definitly a higher end finish and perfect for plots on the water.

9. Victorian

• Victorian architecture is ornate and whimsical, featuring turrets, intricate wood trim, bay windows, and asymmetrical facades. Found in heritage neighborhoods like Sandwich Towne and Old Walkerville, these homes can be restored or mimicked in custom builds. Homeowners who love historical detail and dramatic curb appeal often gravitate toward this style however they’re no longer a popular option for new builds.

10. Cape Cod

• Originating in 17th-century New England, Cape Cod homes are simple and symmetrical with steep roofs and dormers. Their modest scale and practical layout make them popular for smaller lots. They’re typically one to one-and-a-half stories and suit Windsor’s colder climate with their compact design that retains heat efficiently.

11. Cottage

• Cottage-style homes are small, cozy dwellings, often one- to one-and-a-half stories, characterized by asymmetrical designs, low-pitched gable roofs, and prominent chimneys. They frequently feature small, covered porches and a rustic, inviting ambiance, often incorporating natural materials like stone and wood. Modern cottage styles blend these traditional elements with contemporary touches such as vintage decor and moody paint colours. These homes are very common on water plots across Belle River, Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington and more.

12. Mediterranean

• Mediterranean style homes take cues from Spanish and Italian villas. They often include stucco exteriors, clay tile roofs, arched openings, and wrought-iron details. Though not widespread in Windsor-Essex, they can be striking on large, sunlit lots, especially for clients wanting an estate-like presence with strong visual identity. These styles of homes are more common in warmer areas however considering Windsor-Essex’s warmer climate compared to the rest of Canada, there is no better place to build Mediterranean in the country.

13. Bungalow Style

• Bungalows are single-story homes with low-pitched roofs and large front porches. They’re prevalent throughout South Windsor and East Windsor, especially in established subdivisions. Bungalows offer accessibility and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for retirees or first-time homebuyers. They can also be designed with finished basements for extra space but most consist of single floors.

Choose Your Style

Whatever your architectural taste, Sovereign Developments is here to bring your vision to life. With over 35 years of experience building homes in Windsor-Essex, we help clients not only choose a style that fits their goals but guide them through the full process—from design to keys in hand.

If you’re dreaming of a Tudor revival, a sleek contemporary home, or a cozy farmhouse, we’ll help you get it right the first time.

Contact Sovereign Developments today to start building your custom home in Windsor-Essex.