Texas can roughly be divided into three distinct topographies. Â All of the western landscape is what people in other areas traditionally think of when they consider Texas....flat grassland with huge sprawling ranches; the eastern third is forest, the location of the state's lumber industry.
The central section, truly the heart of Texas, is what is called Texas Hill Country. Â Here, the land is rolling, farmers grow maize that feed the cattle of the western ranches and feedlots, trees abound and it is quite lovely.
The city in which Holly and Bevan live is in this geographical area. Â Just as this area is unique, so is the architecture. Â I took a drive through their neighborhood to take some pictures of typical homes in Texas Hill Country.
There actually is a style known as the Hill Country home. Â It always features a large porch across the front of the home. Â Rather than brick, it is usually a beige stone. Â The house below is a perfect example of "Hill Country" architecture.Â
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Here's a bit more formalized Hill Country design. Â Notice how the developers saved the original trees rather than cutting them down and planting new ones. Â You will recognize the classic sloping roof as in the photo above that continues right through the large front porch.
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I took some of these without getting out of the car, so please pardon the slant.
Spanish architecture is prevalent throughout this area as well. Â This first home was so huge that I had to take more than one picture to try to give you a look at it. Â Most of these homes in this area are a combination of light stone and stucco.
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The influence of the Southern mansion is alive and well in Texas Hill Country also....
And, Â finally, Little Buddy did get to have a small family party in spite of being ill. Â Notice the teeth!! Â Holly had just given her a bath and her hair was wet, so pardon the hairdo.
I took this when she wasn't looking as she read the comics in the newspaper.
More photos to come next week.