Residential victorian homes
Q4 2023
Home Knowledge and Research An Architectural Guide to Victorian Homes
We take a look at one of the most popular architectural styles in the country – Victorian homes – to understand what makes these properties so desirable.
Oliver Custance Baker
Director, National Country House Department
+44 20 7591 2207
Victorian housing is one of the most common – and most popular – period home styles in the UK. But why are they so popular?
During the Victorian period – roughly 1837 to 1900 – the UK was undergoing massive change. It was not only one of the wealthiest periods in our history, but also saw a huge surge in the population. This led to a rise in the number of homes built. Between 1801 and 1911, the population rose from about 9 million to 36 million, while housing rose from 1.6 million to 7.6 million.
Why do people like them?
First and foremost, people love their space. The proportions are often great in Victorian homes and, more often than not, they’re light and bright – the Victorians weren’t that far behind the Georgians in wanting big windows from ceiling to floor.
As the Victorians were some of the wealthiest Brits ever, many of their homes were built with absolutely no expense spared. The features in Victorian properties are really very special because of the amount of money flowing through the Empire at the time.
They also had revered experts and tradesmen to do the job. There are houses today where the original roofs and beams are still in place and don’t need replacing. Many have stood an amazing test of time, but compared to Tudor homes are relatively young so still have plenty of life in them.
There was also the influence of the Empire on design - a lot of Victorian homes have Indian and Asian influences. So if you’re looking for a good example of a Victorian property, then look out for these international design touches.
There was no planning permission at the time either – people simply chose the best view, best spot, best whatever, and built their home there. Many such properties are placed in the most fantastic settings from the top of valleys to the edge of villages. The Victorian rectory and vicarage were also in ascendancy at the time, so you’ve got plenty of wonderful properties sitting next to churches in the oldest parts of beautiful villages. Find out more about the enduring appeal of rectories here.
And it wasn’t just the big country manors that were great. The wealthy Victorians were also building homes for their workers – and sometimes even whole villages. This means that even the smaller Victorian homes are still built to a fairly high standard. It was the era of the philanthropist who took pride in providing quality living accommodation for their workers.
How to spot a Victorian home
While you’ll often get large Victorian manor homes, the era also introduced the modern terrace, with a kitchen to the rear and living spaces at the front.
Space and light are key aspects of a Victorian property, but it’s often the details that help define them. Design features like ornate fireplaces, staircases, panelling, ceiling roses and cornicing will sit alongside classic picture rails and dado rails.
Fireplaces were especially popular and often featured in every room. These days, many have been taken out of use but can be restored either in working condition or as a design feature.
Other classic features of the era are tiled floors – you’ll often see these today in the hallway – and stained glass windows inside the home or above external doors.
On the outside, patterned bricks were popular. The roof usually had barge board as well as decorative slate roofs sometimes with small carved ornament on the point.
A big change between the Georgian and Victorian eras was the arrival of plate glass, which helped create larger, single or double paned windows.
Where to find them
Pretty much every village, town and city in the country will have some Victorian homes. But there are areas with particularly good examples of these properties:
- London. The capital is awash with great Victorian properties, from West to East.
- Winchester. Some of the best examples of the cottage-style Victorian homes can be found around Fulflood.
- Liverpool. The city’s famous Albert Docks are a classic example of how Victorian industrial architecture has been transformed into modern homes.
- Weston-Super-Mare.Spa towns and seaside resorts were big business in Victorian times, with Weston-Super-Mare a favourite among the era’s elite.
- Bristol. The city is full of great examples of Victorian properties, especially around areas like Clifton Downs.
- Portsmouth. The area, along with Plymouth, benefitted during the Victorian era from its thriving shipping industr
What to watch out for
As mentioned, many of the Victorian homes were built to high standards and ones coming to the market these days will usually have been updated with modern features.
Those with original features are obviously very sought-after – and this is particularly true if they have those touches of Empire influence too.
But keep an eye out for damp. Victorian builders weren’t brilliant with their damp proof coursing. Later in the period, builders started to figure this out and put slate in. But anyone buying a Victorian home today should consider getting damp proof course if it doesn’t already have one.
Like this? Share it...
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in detailed discussions. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about Victorian homes.
Victorian Homes: An Architectural Guide
Victorian housing is one of the most common and popular period home styles in the UK. These homes were built during the Victorian period, which roughly spanned from 1837 to 1900. During this time, the UK experienced significant changes and a surge in population, leading to a rise in the number of homes built.
Why are Victorian homes popular? There are several reasons why Victorian homes are highly desirable:
- Space and Proportions: Victorian homes often have spacious interiors with great proportions. They offer ample living space, which is a key factor that attracts people to these properties.
- Light and Bright: Victorian homes typically feature large windows that allow plenty of natural light to enter the rooms. The Victorians valued big windows from floor to ceiling, similar to the Georgian style.
- Quality and Special Features: Many Victorian homes were built with no expense spared. The features found in these properties are often unique and special, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of the Victorian era. Original roofs, beams, and other architectural elements have stood the test of time.
- International Design Influences: Victorian homes often incorporate design influences from the British Empire, including Indian and Asian elements. These international touches add to the charm and character of Victorian properties.
- Fantastic Settings: Victorian homes can be found in various settings, from the top of valleys to the edge of villages. Some are located next to churches in the oldest parts of beautiful villages.
- Homes for Workers: The wealthy Victorians also built homes for their workers, demonstrating a philanthropic approach to providing quality living accommodations for their employees. Even the smaller Victorian homes were built to a fairly high standard.
How to spot a Victorian home While Victorian homes come in various sizes and styles, there are some common features and details that help define them:
- Space and Light: Victorian homes prioritize space and light, with well-proportioned rooms and large windows.
- Ornate Fireplaces: Fireplaces were a popular feature in Victorian homes and were often present in every room. Many Victorian fireplaces have been restored and can be functional or serve as design features.
- Design Details: Victorian homes often showcase ornate design details such as staircases, panelling, ceiling roses, cornicing, picture rails, and dado rails.
- Tiled Floors and Stained Glass: Tiled floors are a characteristic feature of Victorian homes, particularly in hallways. Stained glass windows can also be found inside the home or above external doors.
- Patterned Bricks and Decorative Roofs: Victorian homes often feature patterned bricks on the exterior walls. The roofs may have barge boards and decorative slate roofs with small carved ornaments.
- Plate Glass Windows: The arrival of plate glass during the Victorian era allowed for larger, single or double-paned windows.
Where to find Victorian homes Victorian homes can be found in many villages, towns, and cities across the UK. Some areas known for their excellent examples of Victorian properties include:
- London: The capital city is filled with great Victorian properties, from West to East.
- Winchester: The Fulflood area is known for its cottage-style Victorian homes.
- Liverpool: The famous Albert Docks showcase how Victorian industrial architecture has been transformed into modern homes.
- Weston-Super-Mare: This seaside resort town was a favorite among the elite during the Victorian era.
- Bristol: The city is full of great examples of Victorian properties, particularly around areas like Clifton Downs.
- Portsmouth: This area, along with Plymouth, benefited from the thriving shipping industry during the Victorian era.
What to watch out for When buying a Victorian home, it's important to consider a few factors:
- Original Features: Victorian homes with original features are highly sought-after. Look for properties that have retained their unique characteristics and Empire influences.
- Damp: Victorian builders were not always proficient in damp proof coursing. It's important to check for any signs of dampness and consider installing a damp proof course if necessary.
- Modern Updates: Many Victorian homes on the market today have been updated with modern features. Consider your preferences for a balance between original charm and modern amenities.
I hope this information provides you with a better understanding of Victorian homes and their appeal. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
