Know A Tudor Style Home When You See One?

No need to be an expert, they are pretty easy to differentiate from the rest actually.  They have a distinct appearance that makes them easily recognizable and unique among their more symmetrical, lighter colonial neighbors. These homes come in all sizes, and while smaller versions might have a quaint storybook appearance to them, larger Tudors more often embody the romantic ideal of an English country manor. That charming, old-world feel has appealed to many Americans over the last century and a half.

A few things to point out:

1. Steeply Pitched Gable Roof – The roof on Tudor homes has always been a distinguished feature of Tudor architecture.  The roof is gabled and quite steep, often clad with slate and small dormers.  The main gable is often paired with one or two sides or cross gables, which create an interesting shape.
2. Decorative Half-Timbering – Tudor architecture is known for it’s half-timbering as it creates a striking black or brown and white exterior.  Centuries ago, half-timbering was necessary to build multiple stories in a house because architects & builders didn’t have the tools to use stone.  They built wooden frames and filled them with stucco, which left the wooden posts exposed, creating the traditional Tudor exterior.
3. Attention to Detail in the Entrance – The front door of a Tudor home often times features an assembly of various architectural elements arranges asymmetrically.  Some of these features are installed for decorative purposes, while others are there to reinforce safety.  Thick masonry is used to recess the door or project a window or roof over the door to prevent weather damage.  
4. Beautiful Chimneys – Tudor architecture is also known for large chimneys.  In the 16^th century, a huge chimney was a must.  While this was a necessity to keep the house warm in medieval times, it became a distinguished part of Tudor architecture.  Chimneys were mostly made of either brick or stucco and had decorative chimney pots.  This feature is still replicated in Tudor style homes.
5. Large Groupings of Windows – The windows in a Tudor are also quite distinguishable as many Tudors have casement windows.  The windows are mostly grouped in rows of three or more and are framed primarily in wood or metal.  The windows are usually divided in rectangular panes and sometimes arranged in a diamond pattern.  In the main gables, the windows are usually installed symmetrically.

As an architectural trend, Tudor style homes originated in the United States in the mid-19th century and continued to grow in popularity until World War II. These homes were nicknamed "Stockbroker's Tudors" in reference to owners who gained their wealth during the booming 1920s.  These historic homes have enough storybook charm to transport you to a land far, far away.

If you are looking to buy, sell, or have any questions regarding Miami Historic Homes, call 305-986-7041 or fill out the contact form. We would love to connect with you regarding your interest in Historic homes and we specialize in renovating, researching, purchasing or selling Historic Homes in South Florida.