French provincial homes take their design cues from the country manors of the nobility beginning in the 1600’s. They are generally balanced and symmetrical, with very steep roofs of slate. They lack the towers commonly found on Norman style homes. All windows have a pronounced verticality, and are frequently flanked by shutters. The second story windows in particular, are extremely tall, reaching from floor to ceiling, curve at the top and break through the cornice line, and open like doors. Compared to the Norman or English Tudor style, these houses project a greater degree of formality.
