Guide to Edwardian houses | Strutt & Parker (2024)

Home Knowledge and Research Guide to Edwardian houses

Edwardian houses dominate many suburban areas and commuter villages. We take a look at what makes them so popular and where they can be found.

Mark Rimell

Director, National Country House Department

+44 20 7318 5025

Although the Edwardian period was short compared to the Victorian era, it coincided with a housing boom in the suburbs. Particularly around London and the home counties, there was a huge demand for large homes and country houses that were close to railway stations for an easy commute to the city.

Why do people like them?

Mark Rimell in our National Country House Department has the answer. “It was a brilliant period for construction. The Edwardians built big, solid country homes with light, airy rooms and the detailing was a cut above what anyone was used to at that time.”

Suburban houses were built on wide plots with fewer, larger rooms, double-aspect living spaces and large hallways. Privacy was also important. Houses were set back from the road with front gardens (many of which have since been converted to driveways) and generous back gardens. The large rooms and period styling now appeal to families who want flexible, bright living spaces.

Away from the suburbs, this was the final age of the country house. The professional classes wanted their very own Howards End, close to a railway station with trains into the city. The countryside surrounding London is peppered with these country homes that feature landscaped gardens and high boundary hedges, providing a secluded retreat from modern life.

The Edwardian period marked a peak in British building standards and homes have a reputation for being well designed and constructed using high-quality materials. People buying an Edwardian home can have a period property without the worry and maintenance costs that older properties can sometimes bring.

How to spot an Edwardian home

Although the Edwardian period lasted just nine years from 1901 to 1910, the architectural style is considered to have continued to around 1920, ten years after Edward VII’s death.

As servants’ quarters were no longer required, the small attic rooms and cellars of the Victorian era gave way to large elegant rooms.

Mark explains more. “Edwardian design was influenced by other periods and styles. There’s a return to the symmetry of the Georgian era combined with high ceilings typical of the Victorian period and flourishes taken from early Arts and Crafts Movement designs. But the key feeling you get from an Edwardian property is space and light.”

Externally, homes are characterised by steep-pitched roofs. Chimneys were often located part-way down the roof, directly above the fireplaces in the rooms below. Dormer windows with pointed barge-boards are a common feature where the loft-space has been used for accommodation.

Mock-Tudor styles were popular for grander country houses, featuring a part-timbered exterior to make the home look older. Art Nouveau stained glass is a common feature of front doors, along with elaborately carved porches.

Where to find them

Edwardian properties are common in the suburbs of most cities, but some of the most beautiful examples can be found in the surrounding countryside.

  • Wormley Hill House. This handsome Edwardian house has over three acres of mature gardens and is close to Broxbourne station, which has fast trains to London.
  • Surrey. With beautiful countryside and close proximity to London, Surrey has a wealth of Edwardian properties from imposing country houses to elegant family homes, such as this Guildford property, originally built for the Pilkington family in 1904.
  • White Lodge. This recently renovated home retains many period features and the characteristic high-ceilinged, light-filled reception rooms. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, it’s situated in one of the oldest parts of Newbury.
  • London’s garden suburbs. Hampstead Heath, Blackheath, Dulwich and Richmond have many examples of Edwardian architecture.
  • St Albans. St Albans experienced a dramatic growth in population at the end of the nineteenth century which led to a housing boom and a host of Edwardian properties.
  • Lewes. This East Sussex town has a range of Edwardian properties such as this semi-detached house situated in a Conservation Area in Wallands.

What to watch out for…

The high building standards and quality of materials mean that Edwardian properties are generally a sound investment given their age. There are just a couple of things to look out for.

Edwardian homes often have shallow foundations, making them vulnerable to ground movement due to large trees or shrubs or problems with drains.

Rising damp is not usually a problem, but it’s important to properly ventilate the property to prevent condensation. Check to make sure air bricks haven’t been covered by garden landscaping works and make sure insulation fitted in the roof doesn’t block the flow of air through the eaves.

Like this? Share it...

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
Guide to Edwardian houses | Strutt & Parker (2024)

FAQs

Are Edwardian houses desirable? ›

Edwardian-style homes are associated with the first two decades of the 20th century, reaching the height of popularity during King Edward VII's reign. They are known for being spacious and well-suited to families.

What is the difference between Edwardian and Georgian houses? ›

For example, Georgian homes typically have grand rooms with high ceilings, especially on the first and second floors. Victorian homes often feature detailed plasterwork and have bay windows. Edwardian homes usually have light and airy rooms and have the addition of a front garden.

Where in the United States do you find Edwardian houses? ›

According to Kropovinsky, Edwardian homes are especially prevalent within major cities in the aforementioned nations—such as London, Sydney, Toronto, and more. In the United States, San Francisco is one such city that is home to many Edwardian houses.

What are Edwardian colors? ›

To capture the essence of an Edwardian interior, consider using colours like soft pastels, pale blues, delicate pinks, and muted greens. These colours evoke a sense of tranquillity and sophistication that was synonymous with the Edwardian era.

Do Edwardian houses have high ceilings? ›

The interiors of Edwardian properties typically feature high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness. This design element contrasted with the lower ceilings often found in Victorian houses. Edwardian houses aimed to create brighter and more open interior spaces.

What did Edwardian houses look like inside? ›

From terraced houses in the city to charming cottages in the countryside, Edwardian interiors are known for their opulent, light-filled rooms, with delicate ornamental accessories, wooden floors and feature tiling.

Did Edwardian houses have bathrooms? ›

The Edwardian bathroom

Saying that, the toilet and bathroom weren't always found in the same space, with many homes possessing 2 distinct spaces—a small water closet for the toilet and separate room for a bath and washing facilities.

Do Edwardian houses have cellars? ›

Many Victorian/Edwardian homes have partial full cellars, with a crawlspace beneath part of the house. The reason why some houses were given basements and others weren't isn't to do with personal preferences or differences in the technical ability of their builders.

Why is it called Edwardian? ›

The Edwardian period covers the years after the death of Queen Victoria (1901) and up to the start of the First World War (1914). It is called 'Edwardian' because for much of the period the country was ruled by King Edward VII (1901-1910).

What do Edwardian doors look like? ›

As with Victorian and Georgian designs, Edwardian doors were made up of several panels. These panels were enhanced with elegant mouldings, while contrasting colours were often selected to create a tonal front door finish. As glazing became more affordable, stainless glass panels also became commonplace.

What were the quality of Edwardian houses? ›

The Edwardian period marked a peak in British building standards and homes have a reputation for being well designed and constructed using high-quality materials. People buying an Edwardian home can have a period property without the worry and maintenance costs that older properties can sometimes bring.

How can you tell Edwardian furniture? ›

Edwardian furniture refers to antique furniture made during the reign of King Edward who ruled between 1901 and 1910. Unlike Victorian furniture, Edwardian furniture is more delicate by design and features less heavy, ornate decoration.

What are the benefits of Edwardian houses? ›

Extensive garden space, spacious rooms and hallways, and light provided by large windows make this type of house a lovely addition to a property portfolio once renovated. Given their usual locations in city suburbs and close to transport networks, an Edwardian house can be an ideal home for a commuter and their family.

Was the Edwardian era good? ›

The Edwardian era stands out as a time of peace and prosperity. Britain's growth rate, manufacturing output and GDP (but not GDP per capita) fell behind its rivals, the United States and Germany, though the nation still led the world in trade, finance and shipping, and had strong bases in manufacturing and mining.

What is the best era to buy a house? ›

If you're looking for the best deals, you might want to wait until late fall or early winter. That's the time when buyers typically pay the lowest premiums above market value. However, if you're after lots of inventory, focus on late spring and early summer in any year.

What is the difference between Edwardian and Victorian interior? ›

The interiors of Edwardian properties typically feature high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness. This design element contrasted with the lower ceilings often found in Victorian houses. Edwardian houses aimed to create brighter and more open interior spaces.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 6628

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.