A house built primarily from stone is typically just called a stone house, though more specific terms are sometimes used depending on the construction method:
- Fieldstone house: built using naturally shaped stones gathered from the surrounding land
- Ashlar construction: stone cut into precise, uniform blocks for a more formal appearance
- Rubble stone construction: uses irregularly shaped stones, often with more visible mortar
- Dry stone construction: stone walls built without mortar, relying on precise stacking for stability
These terms mainly describe the construction method and style rather than indicating a fundamentally different type of home. Regardless of the specific technique, all of these fall under the general category of stone masonry construction.
Today, most homes described as “stone houses” actually use stone veneer over a standard framed structure rather than solid stone construction throughout, since it offers a similar appearance with far less cost and complexity.