Georgian properties have many characteristic and interesting features which make them unique. This article outlines a few of these features.
Georgian architecture was one of the major trends of the 1700s, spreading throughout the Anglophone world with many notable subcategories including Regency Architecture (built during King George IV’s regency for his father King George III), and Palladian architecture. Georgian architecture was the successor of other architecture styles such as English Baroque which was pioneered by architects including Sir Christopher Wren.
The time period following English Baroque saw the growth of an expert architectural profession with many areas in London are built in the Georgian style, including large parts of the West End. During the Georgian period, architects such as Robert and John Adam designed iconic parts of London including the Grade I listed Chandos House, as well as Fitzroy Square with Adam House bearing their name.
Symmetrical Neoclassical Façades:
One of the most common features in Georgian architecture is the importance which is placed on the symmetry of a building. This is heavily inspired by classical Roman and Greek architecture as well as the later Renaissance period. Many Georgian properties feature ornate decorations on the exteriors such as columns and fanlights above front doors. They tend to all follow a similar pattern, being four stories high with a wood panelled front door which is accessed by a small flight of stairs.
Feature Windows:
As a result of the Window Tax which was in place during the Georgian period, many housebuilders aimed to minimise the number of windows on a property in order to reduce their tax liability. The enduring result of this on homes of the period is large multi panelled windows which allow significant natural light in and can often offer excellent views of the surrounding area. Much like the façade of the property, there is a similar focus on form and geometric shapes on the windows. Windows in Georgian homes are generally shorter on the ground floor for structural reasons. First floor windows in Georgian homes are typically much longer and grander, forming elegant long rectangular shapes. Windows in Georgian homes typically get shorter as you go further up the property with top floor windows being almost square in shape.
Building Materials:
One of the biggest indicators of whether a property is from the Georgian era is what material was used to build them. Many Georgian homes have thick walls built from stone with Portland Stone being incredibly popular as a building material in Central London. These thick walls mean that, whilst they take longer to heat up, homes built from stone are also excellent insulators and are very useful for keeping heat within a home, making them more energy efficient. The second primary style for Georgian homes is for the home to be built out of bricks with stucco fronting on the façade of the property. This is a striking and unique look for a property which helps Georgian homes stand out.
Geometrically Proportioned Rooms:
Continuing the trend of symmetry and form playing such an important role on Georgian façades and exteriors, the shapes and sizes of room were equally important. Boasting high ceilings and regular shapes, rooms in Georgian houses are easy to furnish with a wide range of potential interior design styles and ideas. This makes them highly popular with all kinds of people including single professionals, students, couples, and families.
