Whatever Happened to the Front Porch?

A common question from perspective guests when I speak with them on the phone is, “Do you have a front porch?” I find this question somewhat intriguing. First of all, if this household element is such a highlight, why are more homes not built to include them? Secondly, what is the attraction of them to begin with?

Many homes built after the middle of the previous century did not include a large front porch. We can attribute this to a couple of factors – one was the development of air-conditioning for the home. As a/c became a commonplace feature, it wasn’t as essential to sit out on the porch on summer evenings to catch a cool breeze and escape the heat in the house after supper was prepared. Additionally, as the population in the suburbs escalated, more and more people were driving cars and the traffic in front of the house was no longer conducive to visiting and quiet conversation. People began to retreat inside to their televisions and later their computers. So, developers and builders started to eliminate the front porch feature from their blueprints.

Many of our guests remember a time when they were younger of fun and fellowship on the front porch of a grandparent or older relative. The sense of community, hospitality and wellbeing was obvious, even among the youngest of the gathering. Consequently, people want to recreate that sense whenever possible - hence the question by the callers.

Visiting an Authentic Bed & Breakfast here in Lancaster, you are very fortunate! Most of our 36 properties have a porch where you can visit with other guests, innkeepers and friends. You will be welcomed by your innkeepers and invited to ‘sit a spell’ to take in the scenery, the smells and sounds of all the finest that Lancaster County has to offer. We hope to see you soon!

Written by Lynne Griffin, Australian Walkabout Inn