Early American houses built by the first settlers were influenced by the style of many different countries. After the Revolution, things began to change and America has had many different periods of housing styles, including the well-known Victorian Era houses.
Are you interested in period houses? Perhaps you already own a period house and want to learn more about it.
Maybe you are a real estate enthusiast trying to learn about all the different styles of homes, the main one being a period property? Stick around for a guide on this style of home.
What Is a Period Property?
There is no binding definition, but generally the term period is used for buildings that pre-date the World War I. However, as time passes on and the decades mount, there will be a strong argument for including later 20th-century architecture, such as Art Deco. So, a period property is a house or building that was constructed during a historical period of time and possesses certain architectural characteristics specific to the time period.
Period Properties Defined
Certain styles of homes became common during the periods before World War I and now define a whole period.
We will take a closer look at the various architectectural styles, as well as listed property, in future blogs. In the meantime, here’s a brief guide to four key periods in the estate agents’ lexicon.
- Stuart
The Stuart period era was fully brick-built homes and this became the norm. Stuart buildings are one of the oldest period homes available for the most part because of this. They are made from timber and with timber frames, they were extremely vulnerable to fire and eventually paid the price. The Great Fire of London wiped out a massive 13,200 houses in 1666.
- Elizabethan
If there is a show-off in period properties, it is the Elizabethan Period. This type of home is often described as “ostentatious”. They are characterized by symmetrical layouts with chimneys on both sides and a center entryway with a lot of amazing brickwork.
- Georgian
Georgian homes contain proportionally-sized rooms with tall windows. When viewing the exterior home, you will notice the perfect symmetry with a central chimney. It lasts around 116 years, in the beginning 1714 with George I and ended with the death of George IV in 1830.
You’ll often find pediments above the doors and windows on the home’s exterior. These were inspired by Palladian architecture to the flamboyant exoticism of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, and it is probably best typified by symmetry, elegance and neo-classicism.
- Victorian
Victorian Era homes are probably the most well-known. A lot of stained glass windows, bay windows, large porches with patterned brickwork are all characteristics of this style of home.
Many people are attracted to the steep, gabled, slate roofs and the towers and turrets of Victorian homes. However, that she presided over the tail end of Georgian building taste right through to the advent of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
- Edwardian
Edwardian era homes are much simpler and less ornate. They commonly have front gardens and sit back a ways on the property.
Lighter exterior colors were introduced during this period because designers no longer worried about soot with the advent of gas and electric lighting.
- Queen Anne
The reign of Queen Anne spanned the years from 1702 to 1714. The classical building of this era is typically linear, restrained and symmetrical with row upon rows of windows like the quintessential doll’s house.
Late Victorian era also brought a wide range of features including turrets, oriels and gables.
Adding Value to a Period Home
Are you wondering how to add value to your period home? Do your research. Sometimes adding modern conveniences can take the charm and original characteristics that people hope to see out of the home.
Try to keep things original and true to the period of the home. Check out other homes in the area and use the internet to find pictures of homes from the same period to spy the type of lighting fixtures, woodwork, etc.
Thinking About Buying a Period Property?
Now that you’ve learned the characteristics and parameters on what makes a property a period property, are you intrigued? Did you find this article interesting? Be sure to bookmark our site for easy access to all of our informative articles on anything from health to entertainment.
