5 English manor houses to inspire your traditional home design

Step back in time and discover the resurgence of manor houses in American home design. These old European houses are making a comeback, and their modern counterparts are popping up all over the United States.

If you aren't sure how to create a timeless home, you're in the right place. Take inspiration from these impressive manor houses of England, where centuries of architectural heritage and craftsmanship have been well preserved. These historic English houses are the embodiment of traditional homes. You can’t go wrong mirroring their enduring design features for your traditional custom build. 

The Trerice Manor: An old English take on Dutch architecture

The history and architecture

First, perched on the Cornish coastline of Great Britain, the Manor of Trerice is a testament to centuries of history and grandeur. Located within the county of Cornwall, the Arundell family inherited this historic home in the 14th century. John Arundell V, a prominent figure in Cornwall's storied past, left his mark on the manor, imbuing it with a sense of elegance and refinement that remains to this day.

The Trerice house is a European architectural gem. The manor's exterior is adorned with ornate Dutch gables. Their intricate scrolls and flourishes add a touch of elegance to the already impressive façade. The exterior walls were crafted from local English limestone enhanced with over 500 mullioned panes, many of which have preserved their 16th-century glass. 

A traditional Dallas home that echoes Trerice’s Dutch gables

Stepping into the present, we find a Dallas, Texas home, that exudes refinement and style. Its prominent features, such as the dutch gable reminiscent of the Trerice Manor, and the gray gridded windows, lend a touch of contemporary sophistication.

The tall chimney provides a harmonious balance to the facade. At the same time, the lime-washed brick, a nod to the limestone of the Trerice's exterior, adds just enough detail and texture to give this modern manor a traditional feel. This home, a true blend of the past and present, seamlessly merges traditional design with contemporary materials.

A manor house turned foodie oasis in Oxfordshire

An exquisite hotel and restaurant manor house

Additionally, the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, translating to "Four Seasons Manor," is a luxurious hotel-restaurant located in the quaint village of Great Milton in Oxfordshire, England. This magnificent establishment is housed within a historic 15th-century manor house, exuding an air of old-world charm and refinement.

Furthermore, the world-class hotel provides cooking classes for its guests and houses a highly acclaimed culinary school where students can admire the picturesque gardens and select fresh produce for their dishes. What's more, the stunning architecture of the manor is the icing on the cake for a culinary retreat.

An English modern house in Utah

Likewise, a beautiful Holladay, Utah home, built by the renowned builders Jackson and Leroy, is traditional in its design. The front exterior balances the home's new-fashioned characteristics and resembles a portion of the Four Seasons Manor's facade, featuring a central gable with a grand entryway and majestic box bay window.

The exterior and interior of this Tudor-style house offer a harmonious blend of contemporary and English architecture. The contrast between old-world elements and sleek, modern materials gives the home an elegant aesthetic. 

The Kelmscott manor house: An inspiring English farmhouse

The historic home of William Morris

The Kelmscott Manor, located in the idyllic Oxfordshire village, inspires a sense of nostalgia with its hauntingly beautiful features.

Built in the late 16th century, this enchanting manor farmhouse has a rich history. The manor was once home to the famous artist and designer William Morris. Morris used this English country manor as his Summer home, and its untouched architecture and beautiful gardens inspired much of his now-famous work.

Today, the house is open to the public, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. Visitors can admire the intricate details and use of natural building materials such as limestone and timber. In addition, the manor museum is filled with many of Morris's art and unique possessions for public viewing.

The Mcgee's new traditional home

As you can see, a traditional European house undoubtedly influenced the recently popularized Mcgee home.

Shea Mcgee's stunning home has successfully captured the essence of traditional design, sharing architectural similarities with the Kelmscott Manor. Specifically, their house emulates the double-gabled and symmetrical facade of William Morris's enchanting house.

The Northborough Manor: A fortified English fortress

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Northborough Manor, built in the 1330s, has a deep history and unique architectural design. Throughout the centuries, the manor has undergone renovations and additions. The great hall with its ornate stonework and gatehouse remains the only truly original structure. The gatehouse adds an interesting historical touch to the property, as Oliver Cromwell used this section of the manor as a garrison during the English civil war.

Today, we see many transitional-style homes take a similar shape to the Northborough Manor, with overlapping front-facing gables of various sizes.

The medieval manor houses of Hemingford Grey

Lastly, the Hemingford Grey Manor, built around 1130, stands as one of Britain's oldest recently inhabited homes. Lucy M. Boston last live in the house, and it remained her residence until 1990. The home and surrounding garden are now open to visitors for a small entry fee. 

The manor features an “L” shaped floor plan, with a steep front-facing gable and a setback cottage-like portion of the home. Its exterior walls, made from red aged brick, add to its historic character. The overall effect is one of timeless beauty, evoking the sense of a building that has stood the test of time and still retains its charm.

Comparably, this striking modern Tudor house reflects the design of the Hemingford Grey Manor, featuring a steeply pitched roof, an asymmetrical facade, and a central entryway. Now, the modern Tudor home style is becoming more popular for custom home builds as people are drawn to their old English and modern mix.

Jewkes Design European manor houses

As home designers, we are inspired by manor houses' perennial characteristics. We understand the importance of a lasting home design, and incorporating historic relevance into modern house plans seamlessly achieves this aim.

Take time to explore these pre-designed traditional house plans inspired by old European architecture. Our skilled designers, who have a deep understanding of traditional houses, have carefully crafted each plan to meet homeowners' needs. These house plans can serve as inspiration for your custom home design or can be used as is, making the design and build process more efficient.