Original Tudor Style (1485–1603)

Tudor features evolved and how the Tudor Revival style compares to other period homes. The transition from the original Tudor style to the Tudor Revival involves some fascinating changes, as well as some similarities to other architectural periods.

Original Tudor Style (1485–1603)

1. Medieval Influence:

• Timber-Framed Buildings: The original Tudor homes in England were often constructed using exposed wooden beams, a common feature of medieval architecture. The timber frame was visible on the outside, and the spaces between the beams were filled with wattle and daub (a mix of mud, straw, and wood) or later brick and stone.
• Symmetry and Order: Tudor homes were often asymmetrical with irregular rooflines and facades, which reflected the more medieval construction methods. The design was functional, with no concern for perfect symmetry or "beauty" in the way we think about it today.
• Steep, Gabled Roofs: Roofs were steeply pitched, often with multiple gables. These were designed to handle heavy rainfall typical of the English climate, and the steep angles also gave the home a defensive, fortress-like appearance.
• Chimneys and Fireplaces: Large, central chimneys were an important feature. Not just for heating, but also for the communal hearths used for cooking. In some grander buildings, these chimneys were tall, ornately decorated structures.
• Leaded Glass Windows: The windows were often small, diamond-shaped, with lead framing. These windows weren’t just for beauty, but for functionality, as larger windows would have been expensive and difficult to make at the time.
• Small Rooms: Interiors were cozy with lower ceilings, which helped retain heat in cold English winters. The rooms were designed for practical use rather than comfort or decoration, with heavy wood paneling and tapestries.

Tudor Revival Style (1900s – 1940s)

The Tudor Revival style emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, but also in some parts of Europe. It’s an interpretation of the original Tudor style, inspired by the romantic notion of medieval England.

Key Features of Tudor Revival Homes:

• Exposed Timber-Framing: While the original Tudor homes were made of exposed timber and wattle and daub, the Revival often used half-timbering. This means the structure would mimic the medieval look but with brick or stucco infill instead of wattle and daub.
• Simplified Materials: Unlike the original Tudor’s stone or brickwork in grand homes, Revival homes often combined brick and stucco, making them more affordable to build. Wood features like beams or shingles would still be incorporated into the design, giving a rustic, charming feel.
• Steep Rooflines: The Revival also retained the steep, gabled roof, sometimes featuring multiple cross-gables (more than one slanted roofline). These were often adorned with decorative stonework or copper flashing in more upscale versions.
• Lead-Paned Windows: The Revival homes often featured tall, narrow windows with diamond or rectangular panes in leaded glass. They might not be as authentic as the original medieval ones but carried the same romantic aesthetic.
• Arched Doorways: Much like the medieval originals, arched doorways are a common feature, often made of heavy wooden doors with decorative ironwork or studs. These add to the storybook charm.
• Charming Features: The storybook nature of the Revival style made it highly desirable for suburban homes, where people wanted to recreate the nostalgic feel of an English countryside home. Things like bay windows, dormer windows, and shingles contributed to the whimsical look.
• Cottage Garden Influence: The exterior landscaping also played a role in the overall Tudor Revival feel, with formal, English cottage gardens that included ivy, roses, and other lush, organic plants.

Comparison with Other Period Homes

Let’s now compare Tudor-style homes to a couple of other period styles that were also popular in the same era or immediately before and after.

1. Victorian Style (1837–1901)

• Victorian Architecture is known for its ornate detailing, asymmetry, and bold colours. Unlike the medieval feel of Tudor homes, Victorian homes often featured elaborate trims, decorative cornices, and colourful exteriors (with multiple hues).

  • Windows: Victorian homes typically had large, rectangular windows (often with ornate trim), compared to the smaller, leaded Tudor windows.
  • Rooflines: Victorian roofs could be steep too, but turrets, conical spires, and other decorative elements were more common in the Victorian style, while Tudor Revival maintained more simple, gabled roofs.

  Tudor vs Victorian: Tudor homes felt more romantic, medieval, and connected to nature, while Victorian homes had a flamboyant, decorative style that celebrated industrial progress.

2. Colonial Revival (Late 19th Century–1930s)

• The Colonial Revival style was inspired by the early American colonies and their symmetrical, neoclassical features.

  • Windows: Colonial homes typically have double-hung windows, arranged in even rows and usually with colonial shutters. Tudor homes, on the other hand, feature lead-paned, asymmetrical windows.
  • Rooflines: Colonial homes often have hipped roofs (all sides sloping), with a dormer window centred on the roofline. Tudor homes tend to have steep, gabled roofs with a more complex layout of angles and pitches.
  • Materials: Colonial homes often feature brick or wood siding (painted white or neutral), while Tudor Revival homes combine brick, stucco, and wood, with visible timber accents.

  Tudor vs Colonial Revival: The Colonial Revival has a more formal, symmetrical look with emphasis on classic columns and neat facades, while Tudor Revival embraces a more rustic, asymmetrical and storybook charm with a nod to medieval aesthetics.

3. Craftsman Style (1905–1930s)

• Craftsman homes emphasise handcrafted details, natural materials, and low-pitched gable roofs with wide eaves and overhanging eaves.

  • Windows: Craftsman homes often have square or rectangular windows with exposed wood framing or art glass patterns, in contrast to the more medieval-inspired leaded windows in Tudor homes.
  • Materials: Craftsman homes tend to feature earthy materials like wood, stone, and handmade tiles, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.

  Tudor vs Craftsman: Craftsman homes are simpler, more organic, and emphasise handcrafted beauty, while Tudor Revival homes, though still cozy, focus on storybook charm with a more medieval flair.

In Summary:

• Original Tudor homes were fortress-like, medieval buildings with steep roofs, timber framing, and small, practical rooms.
• The Tudor Revival brought these elements into a romanticized, storybook style in the early 20th century, making it more affordable and charming for suburban living.
• Compared to Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes, Tudor-style houses stand out for their medieval and rustic character, asymmetry, and cozy feel, blending historic English aesthetics with the whims of 20th-century nostalgia.