English Manor House Floor Plans : Plans Project

English Manor House Floor Plans

The English manor house is a type of large country house that was built by the English aristocracy from the Middle Ages onwards. The term is usually used to refer to houses built between the 16th and 19th centuries, although some earlier and later houses are also described as manor houses.

Manor houses were typically built around a central courtyard, with the main entrance on one side and the other wings used for accommodation, service, and storage. The ground floor usually contained a great hall, a kitchen, and a pantry, while the upper floors were used for bedrooms, dressing rooms, and other private chambers.

The great hall was the most important room in the manor house, and it was used for a variety of purposes, including dining, entertaining, and holding court. The hall was typically large and open, with a high ceiling and a large fireplace. It was often decorated with tapestries, paintings, and other works of art.

The kitchen was another important room in the manor house, and it was typically located near the great hall. The kitchen was responsible for preparing food for the household, and it was often a large and well-equipped room. The kitchen was typically equipped with a large fireplace, a bake oven, and a variety of cooking utensils.

The pantry was a small room located near the kitchen, and it was used for storing food and other supplies. The pantry was typically equipped with shelves, cupboards, and drawers, and it was often kept locked to prevent theft.

The upper floors of the manor house were used for bedrooms, dressing rooms, and other private chambers. The master bedroom was typically the largest and most luxurious room in the house, and it was often furnished with a large bed, a dressing table, and a fireplace. The other bedrooms were typically smaller and more sparsely furnished.

Manor houses were often surrounded by gardens and parkland, and they were often used for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The gardens were typically designed in a formal style, with geometric paths, flower beds, and fountains. The parkland was typically used for hunting and other outdoor activities.

English manor houses are a testament to the wealth and power of the English aristocracy, and they are a valuable part of English architectural heritage. Many manor houses are still in use today, and they are often used as stately homes, hotels, or conference centers.