Craftsman or Farmhouse? What's the Difference?!

Colonial, split-level, Cape Cod… it’s no surprise that real estate has its own lingo, right down to the style of a home. In an effort to establish a deeper understanding of home styles, both in terms of how they’re built and what they seek to represent, McEnearney presents a series of articles to explore these differences. We’ll explain what makes a home a split-level versus a split-foyer, define traditional Colonials and Cape Cods; and learn to appreciate the subtleties of Art Deco and Victorian details. Fourth in our series is an exploration of the differences between Craftsman and farmhouse-style homes. Want to catch-up on the series? Read about the distinctions between townhouses and rowhouses, here for bungalow and Cape Cod or here for mid-century modern.

Craftsman

Drive around much of Arlington, Virginia, and you’re likely to pass by large, stately homes that seem to stretch from one side of the property line to the other, and know that they are Craftsman-style homes without necessarily knowing what makes them so.
The name “Craftsman” was coined by furniture maker Gustav Stickley, whose magazine, “The Craftsman,” was first published in 1901. The architectural style emphasized handwork over mass production and was seen as a reaction to the Victorian style and a return to traditional simplicity over gaudy styles with the use of local materials.

The exterior of Craftsman homes are characterized by wide front porches, tapered columns and low-pitched gable (triangular) roofs that extend past the home’s exterior walls. There also might be decorative elements, such as exposed beams and brackets.

On the interior, you are likely to find wooden features throughout — such as thick wood trim around doors and windows, built-in bookshelves, reading nooks and window seats, and a prominent fireplace (or two).

Take a look at these recent McEnearney listings with homes classified as Craftsman:

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Farmhouse

The architectural style of farmhouse — also called folk houses — is more often used to describe function, as they were simply the homes built on agricultural land to house the individuals or families who either owned or worked the farm. The style evolved from the location (and climate) in which it was built and materials available. The earliest homes to be called farmhouses were those built by early colonial families in the 1700s, when the owners would’ve built the home themselves.

Farmhouses are characterized as being simplistic, unpretentious and functional in nature. Wraparound porches are commonplace and seen as a transitional space for everyone to leave their muddy boots outside. The floorplan has distinct formal and informal spaces; the front of the home would be for entertaining and gathering, while the back of the house would have a large country kitchen and staircase to the bedrooms.

“In a region where “Colonial” house styles have been the sought-after classic for decades, the farmhouse has made a resounding come-back,” said McEnearney agent Peter Crouch, “as people are looking for more open spaces than typically offered by the ‘center hall Colonial.’ Builders are able to create even more ‘open spaces’ with today’s technology and add the perks of today’s modern appointments.” The farmhouse layout often offers the same lifestyle — and a peaceful sense of nostalgia, as well, he said.

Crouch currently has a farmhouse listing in Clifton, Virginia, that features many of the particular architectural and layout details the style is known for.

“From the exterior, the wraparound front porch and front gables on the roof are reminiscent of the features that made the early farmhouse a classic,” Crouch said. “The differences between old and new are that new has opened up the original floor plan for today’s buyer, plus has all the amenities desired today. The kitchen includes top-quality Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, plus several warming and convection ovens. … The other difference: this home has more than 8,000 finished square feet, with all the spaces a buyer could want: seven bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, spaces for two offices plus a classroom, media room and home gym.”

He concluded: “The common denominator: the warmth and openness of a bygone era with today’s bells and whistles!”

Take a look at these recent McEnearney listings with homes classified as Farmhouse:

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Want to tour Peter’s listing in Clifton or any other Craftsman or Farmhouse-style home? Contact your favorite McEnearney Associate to set up an appointment.

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