The Carriage House: A Revival of an Architectural Classic

The idea of a Carriage House isn’t new, but the look is. Some are run down and beaten up, some are overly contemporary, and some don’t look like a place you’d want to relax.

Even though the idea seems to have been left behind in the digital age, Carriage Houses are coming back. Whether for your business or home, building a modern carriage house provides functionality and full-on luxury with an architectural pedigree. Read to learn how carriage houses, an architectural classic, are making a comeback.

What’s a Carriage House?

A carriage house is a building that was initially built to house horse-drawn carriages. It’s typically detached from the main house, and sometimes it’s positioned on an upper floor of the home. Carriage houses were most popular during the 19th century and were often found in homes built during that period.

They are separate garages, although some are attached. In addition to their traditional garage function, many modern-day carriage houses serve dual purposes as auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs), which can be utilized as guest homes, in-law suites, studios, offices, or even rented flats.

Carriage Houses History

The popularity of horse-drawn carriages in the 19th century in  England led to the development of carriage homes. The second half of the nineteenth century saw the rise of the carriage house in the United States. They were first in cities like New York and towns like Boston and Hartford in Connecticut, where horse-drawn carriages were prevalent.

Not everyone had access to horse-drawn transportation. Families needed substantial financial resources to afford a coach, horses, and a driver, not to mention the cost of constructing a coach house—the reason why many carriage homes are near larger estates.

These days, many homeowners convert them into something else entirely, whether it be a mother-in-law suite, an art studio, a home office, a guest house, a detached garage, or a mother-in-law apartment.

Advantages of Living In a Carriage House

Carriage houses are a popular choice among homeowners who want the space of a home without the maintenance and upkeep of a traditional house. They are in neighborhoods with larger houses or mansions but can also be built independently.

Here are some of the reasons why they are so popular:

• Privacy. You won’t have to deal with nosy neighbors or noisy kids running around in the yard next door. You can enjoy your space and do whatever you want without anyone bothering you.
• Affordability. Carriage houses are less expensive than other housing options, such as condos and apartments. They’re also cheaper than traditional single-family homes since they don’t require a lot of maintenance or upkeep costs like lawn mowing and snow removal.
• Reignite history. Carriage house owners can reignite history by decorating their homes with period furniture and accessories. For instance, homeowners may want to look into buying antique furniture from local antique shops or online stores.
• Parking is convenient. Carriage houses have a large driveway or garage used for multiple parking cars, so there’s no need to worry about finding a spot on the street every night.

Carriage House Styles

There are different styles to choose from.

• Modular. These buildings are constructed off-site and transported to their final destination for assembly. However, modular buildings usually don’t offer many customization options or design features.
• Modern. It’s a detached structure that pays homage to the style of the original home. You’ll find a sleek garage on the ground floor that holds one to three vehicles. The living quarters are located above the garage on one or two floors. The design and layout of a home can change significantly from one construction company to another.
• Victorian. Victorian-style carriage houses have an ornate design with complex details like intricate moldings and decorative trim around windows and doors. These homes have large verandas that wrap around two sides of the building, allowing plenty of light inside. Victorian carriage houses usually have a mono-pitched roof with multiple gables or dormers along each side. The front door often has a small porch or balcony above it.
• Townhouses. Townhouses with a garage below ground level are styled after traditional carriage houses. However, a townhouse’s upper part has a more substantial living space. It has common walls with its neighbors, like a townhouse or condo.
• Condominiums. It’s a single-family dwelling attached to its neighbors and occupies a small lot. The land on which a carriage house is situated is owned by its owner, unlike in a typical condo. The size of the lot is just slightly bigger than the house itself.

The Carriage House is a cleverly designed home that blends the old with the new. They combine modern and traditional to create a comfortable space that has personality. Many people disregard history because it doesn’t measure up to their standards or has no relevance to their modern lives. Thankfully,  contractors can use carriage houses to embrace history and use it as a springboard for their ideas of modern architecture.