A Porte Cochere is a covered passageway large enough for vehicles to drive through to a courtyard or second entrance to a home, sheltering passengers alighting from their vehicles. An historic architectural element popular in the Renaissance era, it was originally used as a gateway that permitted a coach to be driven through into an interior courtyard. Conveying a magnificent exterior, a Porte Cochere house plan also offers versatility allowing your family to expand living areas for guests or in-laws, or even gain extra garage space.