COUNTRY FRENCH

Country French architecture is a unique style named for the stately country homes from rural France, where each province has its own colloquial style. The architecture reflects a wealth of diversity and tends to convey a timeless sense of luxury, without being overly ostentatious or stuffy. The designs range from both modest farmhouses to estate-like chateau’s. Often as executed in the United States, you will find new and refined characteristics blended with antique and rustic elements, which help to create an elegant and comfortable home. Old and new, formal and informal, it is a beautiful representation of old world style and comfort. These homes generally have asymmetrical exteriors with a combination of ornamental attributes that complete the design. Some common characteristics of a Country French home are: stucco and stone or brick exteriors, steep and or curved roof pitches at varying heights, wood slatted shutters, wood beams, copper decorative features and gutters. Chimneys are usually large and finished at the top with a clay pot style of cap. The roofs will most often be wood shakes or slate. Inside, you will find wood beams, plaster walls, oversized limestone mantles, stone and wood floors-often utilizing ornate or detailed patterns. Interior brick walls, groin and barrel vaulted ceilings, antique chandeliers and sconces, stone sinks and wood countertops are all common elements. At its roots, the style exudes rustic warmth and comfortable charm.