Architecture
6 American Takes on Tudor Style
Classic elements and modern twists create plenty of variations on this medieval architectural style
Calling a house a “Tudor” is confusing. Technically, a true Tudor was built in England during the reign of Jonathan Rhys Meyers and company around the 16th century. Then the English interpretation of the medieval style over the decades spread across the pond and gained popularity in America starting in the late 1800s. These homes were often referred to as Tudor Revival. Different parts of the country have their own distinct variations on the style, only adding to the confusion. It’s OK. Just add “-style” on the end of “Tudor” and you’ve nipped any confusion in the bud.
American Tudor-style homes are most often marked by decorative half-timbers, dramatic entryways, a mix of exterior materials, steeply pitched roofs and gables, elaborate chimneys and casement windows. On the inside, features like inglenook fireplaces, beautiful millwork, built-ins, coffered ceilings and prominent staircases are all part of some uniquely American twists.
American Tudor-style homes are most often marked by decorative half-timbers, dramatic entryways, a mix of exterior materials, steeply pitched roofs and gables, elaborate chimneys and casement windows. On the inside, features like inglenook fireplaces, beautiful millwork, built-ins, coffered ceilings and prominent staircases are all part of some uniquely American twists.
A prominent staircase. The owners love words, and the home was designed around the 300 linear feet of shelving they’d need for all of their books and comfortable spots for reading. The staircase is very personal — it’s a “word wall” that extends three stories. Seventeen family members chose favorite writings to go on the wall, which include everything from Yogi Berra quotations to beloved family recipes.
Casement windows. Minimalist glass and steel accordian doors are a modern twist that keeps the views to Puget Sound open. These doors open up the wall completely.
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2. Classic 1928 Home Outside Boston
This brick Tudor-style home doesn’t have the typical half-timbers on the outside, but its steeply pitched roof and gables, casement windows and prominent chimney all add Tudor style.
This brick Tudor-style home doesn’t have the typical half-timbers on the outside, but its steeply pitched roof and gables, casement windows and prominent chimney all add Tudor style.
Beamed ceilings. Impressive millwork often enhances the old-world feeling of a Tudor-style home. The current homeowners added orange paint for a modern eclectic touch. A 16th-century map over the fireplace nods to the Tudor era.
Paint: Buttered Yam AF-230 and Mascarpone AF-20, both by Benjamin Moore; sofa: Kensington, Restoration Hardware
Paint: Buttered Yam AF-230 and Mascarpone AF-20, both by Benjamin Moore; sofa: Kensington, Restoration Hardware
Arched framed doorways. As Steele Marcoux noted in her article about the elements of American Tudor style, the entries of these homes are often very sturdy in appearance and embellished. “The doors are often made of board and batten wood, generally arched and typically boast some sort of medieval-looking hardware,” she writes. Note that the archway is framed in wood. Many of the interior doorways in this house are trimmed out the same way.
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3. Personalized Update for a 1920s Home
This Berkeley, California, home was sinking because of its heavy stone fireplace. It had also never gone through a modern retrofitting. For safety’s sake, owner Susan Berry completed the necessary renovations without sacrificing the home’s original details. At the same time, she added some personal style to make herself feel at home.
This Berkeley, California, home was sinking because of its heavy stone fireplace. It had also never gone through a modern retrofitting. For safety’s sake, owner Susan Berry completed the necessary renovations without sacrificing the home’s original details. At the same time, she added some personal style to make herself feel at home.
Decorative timbers. Exposed timbers were prominent on true Tudor homes, showing the structural system on the outside. This is the element American Tudor style has embraced the most, usually faking it with false or half-timbers used inside and out to get the same look.
Sectional: custom version of Allan Collection, Taylor Scott Collection; cocktail table: Oceana, Artifacts; area rug: Puddle Jumper Fusion, Jaipur Rugs; chandelier: Westbury double-tier, Ralph Lauren Home
Sectional: custom version of Allan Collection, Taylor Scott Collection; cocktail table: Oceana, Artifacts; area rug: Puddle Jumper Fusion, Jaipur Rugs; chandelier: Westbury double-tier, Ralph Lauren Home
A nod to the Brits. Though Aga stoves weren’t around in the 16th century, they’re probably the most English kitchen component we Americans can come up with. This incredible green enameled version transports one from Northern California to the English countryside.
Aga range: Eurostoves
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Aga range: Eurostoves
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4. Modern on the Inside, Tudor-Style on the Outside
While this family wanted an open plan and a minimalist feel indoors, it was keen to respect the historic St. Paul neighborhood with the exterior. The designers at Charlie and Company decided a fresh take on Tudor was just the ticket.
In this American take on the style, the steepness of the roof and the swoop on the front gable are so exaggerated that they’re practically postmodern winks at Tudor.
While this family wanted an open plan and a minimalist feel indoors, it was keen to respect the historic St. Paul neighborhood with the exterior. The designers at Charlie and Company decided a fresh take on Tudor was just the ticket.
In this American take on the style, the steepness of the roof and the swoop on the front gable are so exaggerated that they’re practically postmodern winks at Tudor.
A range hearth. This shiplap surround is a warm, clean-lined take on a traditional range hearth surround. One uninterrupted piece of marble makes up the elegant backsplash.
Floor patterns and quarter-rounds. The tile floor is in a herringbone pattern often seen in American Tudor homes. In the previous photo, you may have noticed the thick quarter-round detail in the kitchen entrance archway. It’s cleverly repeated around the vanity.
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5. Opening Up the Floor Plan in a 1920s Cottage
Smaller homes took on Tudor elements like gables and steep roofs during the 1930s, with companies like Sears offering modest Tudor-style cottage kit homes. Architect Kathleen Bost helped this homeowner open up some of the small, dark rooms in her Tudor-style cottage in Palo Alto, California. Without touching the exterior, she transformed the cramped interior into an airy space.
Smaller homes took on Tudor elements like gables and steep roofs during the 1930s, with companies like Sears offering modest Tudor-style cottage kit homes. Architect Kathleen Bost helped this homeowner open up some of the small, dark rooms in her Tudor-style cottage in Palo Alto, California. Without touching the exterior, she transformed the cramped interior into an airy space.
Dark hardwood floors. Bost opened up the wall on either side of the fireplace and created a new family room behind it. The views are open and the home embraces the fabulous light. Instead of in millwork on the walls or in ceiling coffers, the dark wood appears on the floors.
6. Classic Virginia Take on Tudor.
Since the days of Thomas Jefferson, brick has been predominant in Virginia architecture, so it’s only fitting that this home in Richmond features plenty of it on its exterior.
The American take on Tudor is seen in the mixed materials — stucco, timbers, wood siding and brick all play a role in the composition of this home.
Since the days of Thomas Jefferson, brick has been predominant in Virginia architecture, so it’s only fitting that this home in Richmond features plenty of it on its exterior.
The American take on Tudor is seen in the mixed materials — stucco, timbers, wood siding and brick all play a role in the composition of this home.
Timber structure. While the new pavilion, designed by Cox & Associates and built by Tuckahoe Creek Construction, is a little more casual than the rest of the architecture, it keeps the Tudor spirit alive. The construction is timber frame with mortise and tenon joints. Compare this photo with the previous one to see how the pavilion roof’s pitch and half-timber patterns line up with the new covered patio structure.
An elaborate chimney. This outdoor fireplace ties into the original intricate brick chimney seen in the previous photo.
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More
Roots of Style: The Indelible Charm of American Tudors
‘Wolf Hall’ Style: The Secrets of Tudor Architecture
See the rest of this covered patio
More
Roots of Style: The Indelible Charm of American Tudors
‘Wolf Hall’ Style: The Secrets of Tudor Architecture
These homeowners wanted a house with a modern feel but were not into the teardown fever taking over some of Seattle’s older neighborhoods. Working with architect John DeForest, they renovated the home and opened up the dark rooms to let in the light and create an easy flow. This wing on the front is now an office but once served as a garage.