Regency Houses

When you hear the word Regency what’s the first thing to come to mind? Okay, maybe not houses, but these terraced giants do make the perfect backdrop for the time period. Rows of townhouses, the stately manor, even a small cottage can send the imagination running wild. Who might have lived there? And why?

But, what makes the houses built in the Regency period special?

During the early 19th century England burst with industry. The land had become more of a status symbol to show off to the neighbors than a workroom, and the improved roads and turnpikes opened the countryside to visitors. And who better than the nobility, to show off the drama of their estates with new and defining architecture?

Medieval Architecture: With the rebirth of patriotism, fortified houses made a repeat appearance on the scene with shallow, pointed, arched windows and doors, parapets, and gatehouses. For the first time buildings took on asymmetrical fronts.

Ancient Greek Architecture: Around since the 1760’s, this Neo Classical style utilized Greek iconic and Doric orders specializing in simple geometric forms.

Terraced Housing: These houses incorporated many different styles, including those from France and Italy. A popular, grey stucco was common paired with decorative ironwork balconies and porticos. Windows became thinner and taller with bay windows increasing in popularity. Half basements were utilized and the ground floor was raised up with a set of steps leading to the door.

Stately Country Seat: Huge estates were passed down with each noble peer making his own stamp on the family home. With the new asymmetrical designs, the old was mixed with the new looks and modern conveniences. China and Egypt made an appearance with pagoda style roofs and decorative motifs.

Country Gardens: Landscape gardens took over the impressive outside view on the estate inspired by popular paintings and usually involved a lake and sweeping hillsides.

What’s your favorite regency location?

Yorke,T. (2007). Georgian and Regency Houses Explained. Newbury, Yorkshire: Information Press