French Country Style House Plans & Floor Plans
French Country house plans recall simple but stately manor houses in the European countryside.
French Country style became popular after World War I when soldiers returning from Europe settled down and began building homes inspired by the country cottages and manors they saw in France and other parts of Europe.
French Country style house plans typically offer two stories of living space in a rectangular footprint under a hipped roof. The entrance is prominently placed front and center. The symmetrical façade may be broken by one or two protruding bays with varying roof heights. A common variation on the French Country floor plans is an L-shaped layout with a round tower at the intersection housing the entrance. Garden terraces off the main living areas are a common feature of French Country home plans. The exterior may be brick or stone masonry, stucco, or a combination. Decoration may be minimal or elaborate. Interior design can vary greatly, with the generally rectangular footprint lending itself to flexible living patterns. With plenty of living space and a subdued elegance, French Country house plans are great for families that like to entertain.
Architectural Features of French Country House Plans:
- Single or multiple hipped roof elements
- Brick, stone or stucco often used in combination on the facade
- Round towers characterize some examples
- Dormers of multiple types often penetrate the roof