Strictly speaking, the country house style is no longer an architectural style at all, because the country house now exists in both traditional and modern architecture. The term simply describes a detached house in the country surrounded by a garden area. Read this article to find out what else characterizes the country house.
the essentials in brief
The traditional country house style usually offers a large living space and many design options.
Due to the usually secluded location and the large garden, country houses are ideal as a retreat with a lot of privacy.
The development of water, electricity, gas or telecommunications lines can be expensive.
The origins of the country house
Originally, country houses were built in the early 19th century as summer homes for wealthy families and their servants in the countryside of villages surrounding larger cities. Architecturally, it was considered rather “simple” at the time, although this assessment would probably be difficult to understand from today’s point of view, since the corresponding houses still looked quite stately and bore features of the classicistic style. In contrast to the elaborately designed town house, however, these should be simpler, more rural. The facade was usually simply plastered, elaborate ornaments rather rare.
With urbanization and the spread of cities, the country house later developed into a villa, which was designed to be far more representative. The villa was not just to be endured in the summer, as it was designed for year-round living. At the beginning of the 20th century, as a response to the styles of historicism and art nouveau, in which many villas were built, there was a return to the rather simple design language of the original country houses, which were replaced by single-family houses in the 1920s. However, the transitions between country house and villa as well as the boundaries between the respective style epochs are fluid, so that experts also speak of country house-like villas or villa-like country houses.
Wide view and long ways
The construction can still be expensive: the large roof and facade areas are expensive to construct and also require complex thermal insulation. Depending on how secluded the country house is, there are expensive development costs for electricity, water, gas and telecommunications lines. This seclusion – ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers – can turn out to be a strain in everyday life, because longer commutes to school and work have to be planned and you can’t even just walk to the supermarket around the corner. Even if you are a keen cyclist, as a resident of a country house you should not completely do without your car.
benefits
Disadvantages
Large living space, many design options
remote, difficult to reach
tranquility and privacy
difficult journey to school or work
fresh air and closeness to nature own garden
possibly expensive development costs
lower land prices on the country
Suitable for
Families with children: gardens to play in, areas with little traffic
Those seeking relaxation: peace and seclusion away from the noise of the city
Individualists and nature lovers: self-realization and creative variety in the house and garden
Sarah Völkl hat Architektur studiert und ist seit Jahren das Gesicht von a better place. Mit ihren Videos ist sie bei YouTube vielen Personen schon länger bekannt. Sarah teilt Ihr Wissen jetzt auch bei den Bautipps von Almondia.
