Defining the decades: Edwardian Era

The Edwardian period from 1901 to 1910 was relatively short and heavily influenced by The Arts & Crafts Movement; promoting simple ‘handmade’ style design opposing the mass production view of the previous Victorian age, but the architectural style is considered to have continued around 1920, ten years after Edward VII’s death.

Edwardian houses coincided with a housing boom in the suburbs and dominate many commuter villages, particularly around London and the home counties – much like the feeling of today, as a result of shifts in lifestyle due to the pandemic. There was a surge in demand for larger homes and country houses that were close to railway stations for an easy commute to the city, as well as the desire for more privacy, and were often set back from the pavement with front gardens.

Vince Dennington, who leads John D Wood & Co.’s Country House Department says, “Edwardian homes are always popular due to their handsome façade, well-proportioned accommodation and excellent ceiling heights, generally just full of character. If only properties could talk, I am sure there would be some fascinating stories to hear! Unfortunately, we have seen many disappear in recent years as they often tend to sit on large plots and are demolished to make way for numerous dwellings. So when we do see Edwardian homes come to the market the interest is always high and often ends in competitive bidding to secure.”

Homes of this era are often characterised by steep-pitched roofs and with chimneys located partway down, enabling fireplaces in the rooms below. Another common feature is to have dormer windows with pointed bargeboards and converted loft space. Other things to look out for are:

• Mock-Tudor cladding and timbers at the top of the house
• Red brickwork
• Porches with wooden frames
• Parquet wood flooring
• Simple internal decorative features
• Wide and bright rooms and hallways