Choosing the right style of home for your personal tastes can be a tough decision. Before you start to meet with estate agents in London, however, it would be ideal to have an idea of what you’re looking for. Britain has a rich architectural history that can be seen in the residential streets of London and the surrounding area. If you’re interested in nestling up in an old world home, consider these three styles.
New Home in London
Ranch Style
In London you’ll find the European style ranch homes that are large enough for a growing, or already large family. With an open floor plan, there is plenty of room for running around and creating comfortable living spaces. And, as a newer style home, you don’t have to be too worried about age as with some other styles. Often these houses are built with stone, stucco or brick, and give the outside an old-world kind of feeling, making it seem rustic and vintage.
What to look for:
- Seasonal changes: Older homes often have drafty windows and doors, so be sure to check with the quality of windows and door frames. The European ranch style is still popular today; so many homes have been updated.
Victorian
Introduced in the middle to late 19th century, Victorian homes are a reminder of the beautiful architecture created from a fusion of historical and Asian influences. There are a variety of sub styles within the Victorian home structure. These include, Queen Anne Victorian Style, Second Empire Victorian Style, and Stick Victorian Style. Almost all of these will have an asymmetrical porch, and steeple roof.
What to look for:
- Budget: Because many truly Victorian homes are much older, plan for renovations, and regular upkeep. Many realtors suggest contacting The Victorian Society for proper upkeep and how to maintain the authenticity.
Georgian
During the Georgian era in Britain, London grew exponentially in size. However, DreamHomeSource.com suggests, “Georgian floor plans provide a traditional template that is endlessly adaptable to modern lifestyles.” Characterized by a square shape and flattened columns on the side of the door, these homes offer a significant amount of space and comfort. Its large size lends itself to many windows, which will provide natural sunlight during the day.
What to look for:
- Water damage: Georgian homes have a slew of opportunities for water damge; stucco facades tend to let in water, the basements are often not water tight, and the double brick skin can often hold water and start to rot.
Buying a home in London gives you a chance to be a part of the rich architectural history. While older houses are beautiful to look at and tour, you have to be sure you’re checking their weaknesses. While stucco and brick walls look vintage and rustic, they also leave room for water damage, leakage and drafty rooms. While it will be beneficial to find a home that is up to code for your family, plan maintenance and remodeling into your housing budget, as that might be a necessary evil further down the road.
Photo source: city-data.com