What better place to enjoy the lingering afternoon sun than on a porch rocking chair with a mint julep in hand?

The front porch is highly characteristic of Southern homes constructed in the 1800s. So much so that southerners coined their own term for the porch, often referring to it as a “gallery”. The gallery functioned as a place to socialize with friends and family while avoiding the heat inside the house. These thirteen properties are not all former plantation homes, but they all share the same southern roots by design.

Kicking off the round up of southern homes with swoonworthy porches is a Georgia plantation originally constructed in 1840. According to the listing, the home was later moved by oxen to its current location 24 years later. The vast wrap-around porch surrounds the main house on three sides.

Pale blue painted ceilings were not just an aesthetic choice for southerners but part of an age-old superstition. It is believed that haints, unrest souls or ghosts, are repelled by the color. Southerners will paint their porch ceilings and even their front door frame “haint blue”. This 1890 Charleston home is no exception.

Originally a producer of sugar cane, the Oak Alley Plantation is now open to the public for tours of the historic property. The Greek Revival styled property was constructed in Louisiana in 1837.

Savannah is home to many historic residences with intriguing architectural features. A recent listing for this property built in 1890 shows a beautiful multi-unit home with a large semi-circle portico.

Charleston’s Tobias Scott House constructed in 1867 is rumored to be the home Rachel McAdams stayed in while filming The Notebook. Can you blame her? The brick-lined porch looks like the ideal place to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day of filming.

The first of two inns to make the list, the Dresser Palmer House is located in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. The property was built in the Italianate style in 1876. Ornate decoration above the doorways and tall round-top windows along the gallery are highly characteristic of this style.

The next home’s curb appeal is every Pinterest pinner’s dream. Built in 1840, this Federal Style home boasts a rectangular shape and a perfectly symmetrical facade. Simple support structures bear the weight of the extended porch. This property goes to show how beautiful a simple design can be. The coral colored front door adds a modern touch.

Have about $5 million handy? Charleston is home to this stunning 5 bedroom mansion constructed in 1856. The black shutters and wood furniture add a dramatic look to the spacious gallery. You can check out the stunning property here.

Nashville’s Belle Meade is a former plantation now operating as a winery and museum for visitors. The original big house was constructed in brick à la Federal Style. Forty-six years later in 1853 the house was remodeled to the Greek Revival look.

Another charming home in South Carolina with that haint blue porch ceiling and symmetrical front facade.

The antebellum manor in Monroe County is currently on the market for a cool $349,900. This Greek Revival home was constructed in 1851 and boasts massive 2 story columns along the front porch and entry way.

The last inn on our list is Oak Hill, an antebellum property recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The Mississippi residence was built in 1837 in the Federal Style. There are many rave reviews about the beautiful accommodations, some mentioning enjoying the rocking chairs on the picturesque front porch.

Last but not least, my favorite Greek Revival styled property. According to the recent listing, Bayside Plantation was constructed in 1850. The listing picture shows a gallery with two rocking chairs, overlooking the stunning oaks draped in moss. A quick peek at the inside of Bayside reveals a meticulously kept home with exquisite decor. An architectural gem through and through.

Which of these porches would be your ideal to unwind on after a long day? Let me know in the comments below!