Find out why we love properties from the 18th Century
Georgian properties exude elegance.
The Georgian period spanned the reign of King George I through to George IV. Broadly speaking, the 18th Century, from 1714 to 1830.
So what makes a Georgian property so popular?
Georgian properties exude elegance.
The Georgian period spanned the reign of King George I through to George IV. Broadly speaking, the 18th Century, from 1714 to 1830.
This period saw the rise of architects becoming household names (if you'll pardon the pun) and gaining fame within the society.
Even today, properties built by these famous architects still mention their names. Names such as Thomas Cubitt or John Nash are frequent appearances in sales particulars for properties they constructed hundreds of years on.
So what makes a Georgian property so popular?
Symmetry: A Georgian home will be symmetrical. There will be straight lines and symmetrical windows across the 3 or 4 floors. You would usually see Georgian style if you asked a young child to draw a house.
Multiple floors: Georgian homes were built over 3 or 4 storeys. The windows and ceilings are very high but reduce in height as you get to the higher floors as these floors often house the staff.
Windows: Very high sash windows were used. There were often multiple windows in each room to give natural light to the interior whilst maintaining the exterior's symmetrical design. But a common feature of Georgian properties are windows that have been bricked up. During the 18th Century, income taxes were calculated by the size of one's home. The number of windows in a home showed the size and stature of the income to the household. To reduce tax bills, many people in this period had some windows bricked up so that the symmetrical design was still apparent, but the number of windows was reduced, thereby reducing the tax liability for the owner.
Stucco: It became popular during the Georgian period to render your property, usually white. Early in the 18th Century, only the lower half of a property would be covered. Later, the whole property would be entirely rendered in white.
Garden Squares: Because townhouses in the 18th Century were built close together and close to the centre of town, they were often not afforded much in the way of garden space. As the Georgian period progressed, homeowners began to desire outside space. So properties were developed in a square formation, allowing a communal garden area in the centre and giving each property a pleasant outlook.
The elaborate finishings that became popular in the Victorian period, such as ornate roof details and stained glass, were more ostentatious in comparison to the subtle elegance of the Georgians.
Both Georgian and Victorian properties are still very popular in the UK with property buyers. We simply love period homes with high ceilings and ornate decorative features. Even today, we will happily sacrifice garden space to live in one of these exquisite properties.