The Architecture of French Country Homes

Working as a residential architect in Toronto, Lorne Rose has worked in a range of styles for his projects, from the classic to the modern. One of his trademarks, though, is the French Country House.

As with many other architectural styles (such as English Country), there are certainly variations to French architecture: it’s far from a cookie-cutter style. Some homes are symmetrical, some are not; some have a hip roof, some do not; exteriors may consist of siding, shakes, stucco or brick. What they have in common, though, is a tradition rooted in the French countryside, and encompassing both simple farmhouses and magisterial chateaus.

That said, there are common features found among French homes: they are distinguished through their asymmetrical exteriors and ornamental attributes. These homes are typically two-stories tall, with high rooflines, and often with large, sloping chimneys. Their rustic, comfortable designs are imbued with the warmth of the country. They’re often characterized by curved arches, soft lines and stonework, with wood beams, plaster walls and stone floors as common interior features.

Lorne Rose Architect has designed several of French Country-style houses in Toronto during his storied career. If this is a style that you are considering for your home-building project, or if you are renovating your existing French Country home, take a look at some of Lorne Rose’s work on French Country residential architecture projects and reach out to discuss how you can make your French Country home as beautiful as it can be.

Deep Lot French Country Home

This beautiful, French Country classic is located in the established York Mills neighbourhood of Toronto. With its rustic style, it perfectly blends traditional French characteristics with modern craftsmanship. The natural cedar shake roof contrasts with light-coloured stone to create a stirring old-world façade.

Magical Ravine Manor

Storybook setting for this charming field stone house nestled on the edge of Moore Park Ravine. Restored to maintain historical integrating, including the exterior stone matching the 1927 masonry, all while incorporating modern amenities.

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