What Architectural Features Define a Georgian Style House?

The Georgian Style Home: 
A Classic American Favorite Exudes Elegance and Curb Appeal

Perhaps rivaling the Colonial style in popularity, Georgian style architecture - with its clean lines and symmetrical balance - has remained a classic and enduring favorite in house design since its introduction to the American colonies in the 1700s. Named after the first four Kings George, who ruled Great Britain in succession from 1714 to 1830, Georgian architecture – and ultimately, Georgian house plans – was greatly influenced by British architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Ranging in size from estate mansions and plantations to smaller family homes and vacation getaways, Georgian house plans have survived numerous re-inventions and regional interpretations throughout several eras and generations. Georgian style homes are rectangular, two-story structures usually made of wood or brick, with balanced windows, gardens, and landscaping around the property.

Features of the Georgian House Style

If you stroll around your neighborhood, you can recognize Georgian house styles by their distinct features. Watch out for the “boxy” look, and remember that symmetry and balance define these designs. Here are the other basic characteristics of Georgian home plans:

1.     Multi-paned windows symmetrically arranged to frame the front door

2.     Paired chimneys

3.     An extended walkway leading to the main door

4.     Short covered porch

5.     Archways, pediments, or decorative element above the central door

6.     Sometimes, a white picket fence

7.     A gabled or hipped roof with dormers

8.     Interior floor plans that often repeat the exterior’s focus on symmetry

9.     A center hall and staircase often flanked by formal rooms on each side

Early Beginnings of the Georgian Style Design

One of the most adapted and imitated architectural styles, the Georgian house plan took flight in colonial America in the mid-1700s. It was prevalent in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Southern states, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The Georgian design originated in England during the reign of the King Georges. It was developed by English architects Christopher Wren, Indigo Jones, and James Gibbs, inspired by the Renaissance and ancient Greek and Roman architecture.  Some of their concepts were based on the Renaissance’s models of rigid symmetry, window and door placements, and interior layouts.

Described as “the first architect-inspired style in America,” the Georgian design “arrived” in the colonies through British architectural pattern books.  At the time, it was largely linked to the wealthy and privileged classes who could afford estate-like homes with elaborate landscapes and designs.

Much like all architectural trends, the Georgian style enjoyed its period of dominance – during colonial times and the Revolutionary War; a decline – after the revolution; and a revival – that continues to this day.

What about the Georgian Style Home Today?

With its elegant, classic lines, the Georgian house plan has broad appeal because of its timelessness and adaptability. People who love a sense of order, proportion, and history are drawn to its symmetrical elegance. Its architectural design lends itself to creating a home with impressive curb appeal in any neighborhood.

The Georgian design’s “box-like” shape lends to floor plans with flexibility for expansion and additional space. The style works for huge mansions built on several acres of land, smaller homes on narrow or sloped lots, and even townhomes in urban neighborhoods.

If you love these homes from our collection – or the red brick residence in Driving Miss Daisy or the spacious house in the Home Alone movies – then the Georgian style is perfect for you.

Are you ready to start dreaming and start building your Georgian home?

Footnote: The lead image of this article is of a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Georgian style home with 2214-sq. ft. of living space and a brick exterior. For more information on the home, see Plan #146-1020.