Need help on style of porch and front door!

8 years ago

We've recently purchased this house and want to add a front door and a porch onto the centre front, but cannot come up with anything that we like and that suits the style... Part of the house was built in the 1870's...

Look forward to the suggestions!

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anne dee

8 years ago

This would be nice frontage for yr home

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Comments (103)

PRO
Paul D'Amico - Period Design
8 years ago
I suggest the following strategy: look at relevant historic examples, thus mid victorian.
Solutions should take into consideration:
•Proportions with property
•Aesthetic compatibility and this includes material.
Decide whether you want a porch or just a portico and bare in mind that in England and Wales if your property is not in a conservation area you will not require planning permission if:

1. Ground area of the porch, measured externally, not to exceed 3 sqm
2. Highest part of the porch not to exceed three metres.
3. No part of the porch to be within two metres of any boundary that fronts a highway.

You should expect a professional to produce proposal drawings.
kathleen currie
8 years ago
a wonderful book every library should have: ELEMENTS OF STYLE --awesome reference for many details: windows, doors, stairs, woodwork, fireplaces etc. through many time periods from renaissance to post modern. great for ideas too, if you want to 'tweak' something on a smaller scale.
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Paint the inside bricks white, defo to disguise the boxes - it will also look wider. Don't go too dark on that lovely wooden door - it is a really nice door so I am wondering if it could be stripped to its natural colour instead (but that might cost more). You could just paint your tiles - maybe a slate colour, but with a very strong floor tile paint... personally, I think you might like your floor tiles once the brickwork has been painted. Re the porch, again it might be worth stripping it back to wood and then just oiling it - or paint it white also, it will look fresh but poss a bit garish in white. Get rid of the moss on the roof of the porch - it keeps it damp and detracts from your lovely porch (which is nice... you should see mine! also on Houzz).
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Hi. I'd go for a solid timber front door in a dark grey or a shade of green. Keep the overhead pane and have glass panes either sides. As Kerry said I'd just change the glass on the internal door. Maybe a mid oak for the floor, something which bounces a little light. Add a radiator cover deep enough to use as a console table with slim lamps, flowers etc and add a large round mirror (maybe In a metallic to bounce more light) over the top. I'd also have the light switch moved along a bit. I would remove the curtains as they're blocking light. If there's a draught issue think about using a much lighter fabric. It would be good to see how light the room looks once the carpet is up and the curtains gone, so I think I would hold off ordering the door until this is done in case you also need glass panes in the door. You could try a warm neutral such as farrow and ball skimming stone on the walls or just walnut by dulux. Add a picture opposite the mirror and a new light fitting ( if needed as I can't see if that's new or not!)
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Thank you for the suggestion. We had images with the original porch but unfortunately time and budget don't allow us to have them recreated. I'm glad you agree that a string colour is needed as my builder is keen to put on s modern oak door which I feel will get lost with the white, brick and clay tile colours. Railings is currently my favourite although I'm using it in my kitchen and have a grey bathroom too, Si wondering about deviating, maybe card room green or castle grey (which is more green than grey) - both F&B.
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Thanks for the mock ups A S I wanted a dark blue or grey door. The rendering is due to be painted by the end of this year - going to go for white. I've seen all the different suppliers but I keep changing my mind between the styles. I saw the mock up app on rockdoor but it was only for iPhone.
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PRO
Sustainable Dwellings
8 years ago
What a lovely, stately home! Stick with Everything Beautiful's ideas. They are on the right track here.
PRO
William Grey-Bellis Interiors
8 years ago
ALEX is spot on with his suggestion!
sunnie2day
8 years ago
My husband is a retired historic building conservation officer (NE Scotland and Gloucester England). He looked at your picture and said the roof for any porch should be a simple forward slant that echoes the house roof. He loves the gable storm porches but for this house (which he agrees was probably a manse in it's first life) the simple forward slant is the closest to maintain the historic aspect of the home.

He said a glass conservatory across the entire front but with the slant roof would look great without being too jarring if you were thinking along that line, but wants to know if your home is listed? A yes would mean the next step no matter what you are hoping for is to check with the council conservation or planning officer.
PRO
Travis Robert Renovations
8 years ago
Great house!
finds2flip4
8 years ago
I would google English Manor houses, they have lots of ideas and pictures of what you could do whether big or small.
Susan Lawson
8 years ago
I would be hesitant to obscure any of that beautiful brickwork. I'm assuming you currently enter through the courtyard and to the side? What about jazzing up the courtyard to create a pathway that leads visitors to the entrance and plantings that enhance and even call attention to the wonderful masonry in the building itself.
sunnie2day
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
@SCLawson (ETA: WHOOPS! meant this to be towards the poster above SCLawson!) - sorry, my fault for the confusion. The house in the OP isn't an 'English manor house', it looks to be a manse (Scottish word for vicarage). Now, the homes at the following image search link, those ARE English manor houses:)

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=654&q=english+manor+house&oq=english+manor+house&gs_l=img.3..0l8j0i5l2.1787.7415.0.8007.19.15.0.4.4.0.233.1175.14j0j1.15.0....0...1ac.1.26.img..0.19.1193.lOhEq6eeyW0

You can quickly see the difference with this image search using the term 'English manse or vicarage':

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=654&q=english+manse+or+vicarage&oq=english+manse+or+vicarage&gs_l=img.3...1789.10353.0.10689.25.10.0.15.2.0.114.379.9j1.10.0....0...1ac.1.26.img..14.11.314.7YBj43IQRsQ
blkhorse14
8 years ago
I have a limited knowledge of architecture, but from the picture you presented, it lends itself to the British-Victorian Styling. Your choices will, in reality, come down to what you prefer. I would first suggest you do some research on your home and the style to decide if you want to follow the style given or to add a few ideas of your own. Most of the homes I have noticed in this period have porticos (single or two tiered), with a entrance door flush with the front of the building. Steps would either be direct to the entrance or tiered down in a half circle. These porticos would have a pedimented porch with the second tier being supported by Iconic columns. The landscape design of shrubs and driveway and possibly flowering plants would add a softness to this severe design it currently has. Your home is a beautiful design and is worth the correct changes to add to that beauty.
blkhorse14
8 years ago
FYI: The elements of Style ISBN: 0-671-73981-6 (CHECK AMAZON.COM FOR THE BEST PRICES)
marker1
8 years ago
If you wanted to incorporate a porch The Firestone farm house in Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum may provide a classic idea to build upon and update per your tastes One Flicker post http://www.flickr.com/photos/71288712@N00/369445648/in/photostream/ or
shoebunny
8 years ago
Another vote for Alex. North American ideas for North American houses just don't fit. I've seen Alex's ideas on old homes in the UK, including my cousin's. His home was built in the 1600's. The little front porch between the two side windows is perfect.
PRO
OnePlan
8 years ago
hi - I just want to say that Alex's image is a lovely porch - but for the shape of this space on this property it will be too tall - if you look at the space above where the door would be to the base of the window above you will see why Sunnie2day's husband and I suggested the shape we did - like the pic I posted at the top of the thread.
shoebunny
8 years ago
True.
PRO
User
8 years ago
I'll repost the initial quick drawing . kind of looks like what your talking about doing which was my intention.
druesig
8 years ago
I think ALEX is correct in the little porch/covered entry. It is perfect for this house. Good luck!!
Pat
8 years ago
This house looks like a Federal design ... most of that type had no elaborate entries or porches. I agree with Hudson Designs for a stoop which has a Georgian column front or Anna Dee's just below that, which allows for vines such as Wisteria or Trumpet Vine to cover the front. Love your house! =)
Paul B. Showers
8 years ago
I think Paul D'Amico was on the right track above with the simple flat roof with columns. The roof should appear rather thick and you could either use a balcony effect with railings above or I've seen period porches with the same flat roof with boxed in copper details above. Another style would be a simple roof supported by iron brackets with iron railings above creating a balcony. It's a very attractive home. Keeping the porch addition simple and well appointed should enhance the home not overwhelm it.
kathleen currie
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
i take it that an entrance near where the car is, i.e. on the side, is out of the question?
such a shame to 'abort ' the existing facade but if you extend the porch to cover the side windows as well, you will greatly reduce the light in those rooms; and while the glass roofed porch is a great solution for most north american homes it just doesn't seem right on this beautiful home. i would favour a false gable-end smaller porch with an era-appropriate pediment and change the second floor window to a door accessing the new deck . a professional can provide you with several sketches in a short period of time and, when you see one that works for you AND your home, a complete drawing can be prepared. the brick detail is lovely on this elevation--i would be reluctant to mess with it much.
Victoria
8 years ago
The majority of these suggestions would never be permitted in the UK and are not in keeping with the house. Alex's suggestion is typical of UK but there is not enough room for it. A typical American period porch with columns and balcony on top is not in character, and would not get planning permission. Similar to OnePlan, I suggest a simple canopy, as generally in the UK porches are used to stop you getting wet unlocking or waiting at the door. The link shows an example, they do many different ones.
http://www.fineiron.co.uk/new_images/title_images/fineiron-porches-verandas.jpg
ilangelo
8 years ago
Beautiful house. I'd go for small glass panes in wrought iron casement - beveled glass, if you can afford it - and a copper roof. If you hang a coach line in the center of the ceiling inside, it'll make a nice outdoor light, as well. Good luck!
bevballew
8 years ago
What a great and perfect suggestion Victoria. Simple yet elegant and probably not very expensive and does not destroy the original architecture.
Alex
8 years ago
I love the iron work in Victoria's post - however, it is much more in keeping with a georgian style not victorian. If the property is listed you would not get permission for this. Plus, I am guessing that, the reason rc m mentioned a porch is that they want an area where they can store shoes, coats and the normal ancillaries associated with family life. The height, pitch and style of a porch such as the one posted previously is easily customised by any architect/building firm.
Victoria
8 years ago
Actually, if you look at the website and the picture in more detail you'll see the house in question was built in 1862, approx 25 years into the reign of Queen Victoria ;)
PRO
User
8 years ago
Just a quick 3D
Alex
8 years ago
The house is victorian, I agree. I was making reference to the ironwork verandah - that is a georgian/regency style
blkhorse14
8 years ago
rc m I hope you will post the decision you make. The rule in the US concerning the addition to a historic building is not to 'change' the existing structure, but you may 'add to' a existing structure. If you have limitations in the UK you need to understand what they are; then proceed to research the building style and even its history. The original picture you posted was a little difficult to understand, was there a portico at the opposite side? I hope you will advise all as to the route you plan to follow.
ourfarmhouse
8 years ago
rc m,

Here are a couple of suggestions for your beautiful home.

The first (sort of) ignores your request for a porch, but shows you how a proper entrance might be on this home.

The second gives you a portico for your guests to stand under as they wait for your splendid hospitality. Both entrances are borrowed from homes in the London area.

I also thought it might be nice to see how landscaping might draw a guest to the front door and soften so much brick and gravel.
rc m thanked ourfarmhouse
rinked
8 years ago
ourfarmhouse, those are marvelous!
PRO
Paul D'Amico - Period Design
8 years ago
Interesting post from Ourfarmhouse because although historically wrong- the examples are "Georgian", they work well with the facade. Eclecticism goes back a long way in Architecture it's anything modern or post Edwardian I would avoid. I have posted a photo I took of an Edwardian House with a Georgian portico built at the time. Eclecticism has always existed. Harmony can be reached through compatibility of the forms, proportion and materials.
Alex
8 years ago
Really like that ourfarmhouse, great CAD work. Possibly a better door surround could be found for the period but I think that gives a lovely welcoming impression and, as long as there is a separate drive, that landscaping is perfect. Would love to see what rc m does in the end.
rinked
8 years ago
Small cover with recessed door looks great!

http://www.rockshawroad.org.uk/The%20Georgian%20House%20medium.jpg
http://www.jugglefrogs.co.uk/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/georgina-style-house-400x460.jpg
http://www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/image/Binfield%20House%201.JPG
http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/51/82/518220_6bdb66df.jpg
PRO
Julia & Elizabeth
8 years ago
Please hire someone who knows about historic homes. Designers are all very confident in their opinions but your house is very unique.
PRO
User
8 years ago
I believe they are smart people and will consult in the end with the right people.
PRO
User
8 years ago
Wrong drawing.
rc m thanked User
Rina
8 years ago
I have been loving the creativity and caring (and even the sniping) in this thread. rc m, how are you feeling about it? (PS I look at your house and think rectory and novels .... how I would love to see inside.)
PRO
User
8 years ago
Don't know if you like this but where the heck are you going to have your coffee.
Victoria
8 years ago
We don't do sitting in the front porch in the UK. We are waaaay too reserved to do that, someone might see us.
PRO
User
8 years ago
LOL.
rc m
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much everyone - this has been great. Sorry for the lack of response - been flat out!!!!

It must be hard for you American guys to work on such old English designs.... The ideas have gradually culminated into what really would look good on the house. Ourfarmhouse - these are absolutely great ideas, and thanks Everything Beautiful for getting the jist and putting the ideas onto the house image - nothing like seeing an actual design on your own home.

We've got an architech working on it, and he's keen on the iron-wrought idea... but we're not sure. Basically toss-up with this and Everything Beautiful's design (2 above). Going with a four-pannel door, but would like to incorporate some glass somewhere! Possibly a panel above with the house name engraved on it??

Victoria - absolutely right...! We don't need to sit outside with the weather.......... say no more! Just wanting something to cover yourself while you're unlocking the door.

We've also done a tour of the local areas, and found a couple of porches - amazing what you find right on your doorstep! Will attach pics shortly...
RosemaryR
8 years ago
Can't wait to see the final design and completion. Best of luck.
PRO
User
8 years ago
Hat's off to you and Good fortune.
Margaret Kottelenberg
8 years ago
How about something like this? Since you have to change the window to a door anyway, add an arch for interest.
cinderellaslipper
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
What about a stained glass vestibule, which would suit the period of the house very sympathetically, try to find reclaimed Victorian glass or get reproductions made to match your house style.
PRO
Lisa McKnight
7 years ago
Hire a Conservation Architect that has the experience to meet planning guidelines for period properties.
Lynne Mysliwiec
7 years ago
I believe rc m did hire an architect in September of 2013. Am curious to find out what the after looks like, however. rc m? How goes the project?
PRO
Synseal Group
5 years ago
Here are a couple of styles with and without grid to match your windows. Loads of colours available the two I have illustrated are French sage and Devonshire blue
greennuz
5 years ago
House looks very Home Counties English and a traditional English look with a thick oak frame would make a huge difference. Great house.
greennuz
5 years ago
added comment is that as a typical Home Counties house this is what would be described here as a cottage albeit two stories and big. As a cottage, the Georgian canopies are not in keeping with the look in bringing a togetherness and strong introduction to the house.

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Need help on style of porch and front door!

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