Beach houses are commonly found by the coast, on or near a beach, but vary in style depending on their location. Traditional houses elebrate local building materials and traditional building styles, however, today more modern architecture is not uncommon. Built to withstand the climate they are situated, beach houses tend to be low builds, nothing more than two stories due to weather than can sometimes come in off the sea. These houses are often used as holiday houses or second homes and rented out during peak seasons. Swimming pools are popular in beach houses.