Is Your London Property Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian? - RIB new (2024)

London has some of the finest Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the country. When looking to buy a home in London, it’s handy to recognise the various property styles. Property listings usually mention the period when the building was built. Knowing the architectural styles helps you understand the distinctive features you can expect to find.

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.

The property’s period usually affects the home’s value and any restorative work needing to be done. Additionally, if you are looking to buy a home with specific features, then it’s a good idea to look for a home in a particular period.

This article is a guide to three distinct styles of architecture in London— Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian.

Georgian Period Properties

Georgian homes were built between 1714 and 1837, during the time of King George I until King George IV. Houses built during this period are large and airy and feature large living spaces. This type of home was in stark contrast to the small, dark, cramped homes of previous eras.

A characteristic design feature of Georgian properties is the tall windows on the first and second floors and smaller windows on the upper floors. This was because staff usually occupied the upper floors—therefore, they had smaller rooms with lower ceilings.

Another way to recognise Georgian period homes is the stucco exteriors. This typically has rendered plaster on the lower floor and exposed brickwork on the upper floors. You may also notice one or more bricked-up windows—done to avoid paying window tax.

Distinctive features of Georgian London homes

  • Three or four-storey townhouses with large sash windows on two floors and small dormer windows on upper floors.
  • Grand rooms in symmetrical proportions.
  • Stucco-fronted exteriors.
  • Townhouses set around a common garden square.

Victorian Period Properties

Victorian period properties were built between 1837 and 1901 when Queen Victora I was the monarch. Victorian buildings tend to reflect architectural inspirations from around the globe.

Homes built in the Victorian era have an eclectic style. Homes built at the start of the period tend to be simple, more like Georgian homes. As the era progressed, architecture became more ornate and reflected the growing Arts and Crafts movement.

Houses were becoming more affordable, and homeownership grew. Therefore, homes became smaller but still featured high ceilings and decorative plasterwork.

Distinctive features of Victorian London homes

  • Colourful brickwork and bay windows.
  • Decorative stained-glass features, plasterwork, and ornate lighting.
  • Narrow hallways but high ceilings give rooms an airy feel.
  • Every room has a fireplace.
  • Sash windows.

Edwardian Period Properties

From the three types of period properties in London, the Edwardian period is the shortest—lasting from 1901 until 1910. During this period, the Arts and Crafts movement heavily influenced building design. Edwardian homes typically feature simple, practical architecture. The interiors are usually a mix of traditional Victorian features and modern designs.

A recognisable feature of most Edwardian properties is that they have small front gardens, and the houses are set back from the pavement. This gave homeowners a sense of privacy, as well as enjoying green spaces, literally on their doorstep.

Edwardian homes are typically extremely well-constructed. This means that maintenance and repairs are usually minimal compared to Georgian and Victorian properties.

Distinctive features of Edwardian London homes

  • Wide range of architectural styles, often with mock Tudor cladding.
  • Red brickwork.
  • Front garden.
  • Large windows, sometimes with a bay window.
  • Wooden-framed porch.
  • Light, airy rooms that are relatively wide but with lower ceilings than Victorian or Georgian properties.

If you’re looking to buy a home in London, we have a wide range of properties available in varying styles, from period homes to contemporary apartment buildings. You can browse all our available properties here. Alternatively, you can contact our residential and new homes director David Calderia on the details below. He will be happy to discuss your property requirements and help you with your property search.

Is Your London Property Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian? - RIB new (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Edwardian and Victorian property? ›

While less ornate than the Victorian era, Edwardian properties still exhibit decorative elements. These might include intricate brickwork patterns, delicate mouldings, and decorative corbels. The interiors of Edwardian properties typically feature high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness.

How do I tell if my house is Victorian or Edwardian? ›

So, unlike the smaller, darker Victorian homes, Edwardian houses were more squat, wider and roomy, with bigger hallways and more windows. It's common for an Edwardian property to have a front garden and be set back from the pavement, as there was an ever-increasing desire for privacy at that time.

What is the difference between the Victorian and Edwardian Era? ›

So the difference between the Victorian Era and the Edwardian Era in its strictest meaning, is that the Victorian Era was the time in which Victoria was on the throne (1837-1901) and the Edwardian Era was the time in which her son, Edward VII was on the throne (1901-1910).

What's older, Victorian or Edwardian? ›

After the 67-year Victorian period, the Edwardian period was very short, lasting only 9 years between 1901-1910.

What is the difference between a Georgian and a Victorian house? ›

Internally Victorian homes have high ceilings and large windows and layout within a long and thin footprint much smaller than Georgian homes. Victorian homes are typically one room wide, with a narrow hallway leading off into the different rooms, two up, two down with just two rooms on each floor.

What does an Edwardian home look like? ›

An Edwardian-style house typically has a tiled roof, often made from terracotta. It's all about those quirky, not-quite-symmetrical rooflines with pointy bits, fancy designs like bay windows, some artsy plaster pieces, and sky-high ceilings, those are the elements that make it stand out.

What age is Georgian property? ›

The Georgian era is the oldest out of the three architectural styles that we're looking at, beginning in 1714 with King George I and lasting until the death of King George IV in 1830 – with the late Georgian period counted between 1830 and 1837.

What do Georgian houses look like? ›

Georgian Design

The classic Georgian townhouse has typically three or four storeys. The exterior is symmetrical and stucco-fronted, so it is rendered in plaster to cover the material used for construction. Buildings are usually two rooms deep, and they are balanced on the inside and outside.

Is a 1930s house Edwardian? ›

The majority of house design in the UK within the 1930's continued the Edwardian principles as the Modernist movement failed to take mainstream force. At the end of the war, slums remained a problem in many large towns and almost 500,000 houses had been destroyed or made uninhabitable.

What is the American equivalent to the Edwardian era? ›

The British Edwardian Era corresponds with the United States's Progressive Era. They are also culturally similar in that they are times of great change and progress in both countries.

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.

Is a 1920 house Edwardian? ›

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.

Is Georgian older than Victorian? ›

After the Georgian period came the Victorian era, running from 1837 to 1901. This was named after just one royal, the now second-longest serving monarch, Queen Victoria. Historically, the Victorian period is a mixed bag. There was lots of social and technological advancement during this time.

What era is Georgian? ›

The Georgian era spans the years from 1714 to 1837, covering the reigns of George I, II, III and IV, as well as that of William IV. It was an era of great social, political and cultural changes.

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.

What years are Edwardian property? ›

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.

What makes a Victorian house a Victorian house? ›

Features of a Victorian House

The houses usually have two to three stories with steep, gabled roofs and round towers. On the exterior, there are towers, turrets, and dormers, forming complex roof lines as architects sought to create designs that would pull the eye to the top of the house.

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.

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