All property dates from one period or another, be it 500 years old or 50. So why do agents describe some houses as 'period' and not others?

There is no binding definition, but generally speaking the term period is used for buildings that pre-date the First World War. However, as time marches on and the decades mount, there is a strong argument for including later 20th-century architecture, such as Art Deco. But then the question is, when do you stop? I imagine few people would welcome seeing a house only as old as they are described as period.

In any event, the term period property should not be confused with English Heritage listing. Most buildings that predate 1840 are listed; some modern ones are, too. Listed buildings are graded according to their importance and come with certain responsibilities regarding their upkeep.

We will take a closer look at the various architectural styles, as well as listed property, in future blogs. In the meantime, here’s a brief guide to four key periods in the estate agents’ lexicon.

Elizabethan

Against a backdrop of political intrigue and ruthless power struggles emerged glorious additions to our architectural heritage. Above all Elizabethan houses were about show and ostentation. Fabulous brickwork, great numbers of elaborate, bold chimneys and extensive use of glass proclaimed that you were a person of means. Think Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall.

Queen Anne

The reign of Queen Anne, the last of the Stuarts, spanned the years from 1702 to 1714. She was the first monarch of Great Britain, on the throne at the time of the Act of Union between England and Scotland. The classical buildings of this era are typically restrained, linear and symmetrical, with row upon row of windows, rather like the quintessential doll’s house. However, Queen Anne style also describes a far more exuberant genre of architecture popularised in the late Victorian era which brought together a wide range of features including turrets, oriels and gables.

Georgian

Surely the most popular architectural period of all. It lasted 116 years, beginning in 1714 with George I and ending on the death of George IV in 1830, though these latter years are dubbed Regency. The reigns of the Georges encompassed a variety of styles, from the classically inspired Palladian architecture to the flamboyant exoticism of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, and it is probably best typified by elegance, symmetry and neo-classicism. With their symmetrical, well proportioned rooms, high celings and beautiful windows, Georgian properties are incredibly popular today.

Victorian

The long reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) saw a variety of domestic architectural styles prosper, although most people probably think mainly of the elaborate and romanticised interpretation associated with the Gothic revival. Such was Victoria’s longevity, however, that she presided over the tail end of Georgian building taste right through to the advent of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Period properties are often sought after but we are often aware of properties before they are on the market and can help you be one step ahead by engaging us as your property buying agents. Call Nigel Sellers 01962 793 100 or email enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk