What Makes a Carriage House Different from Other House Styles?

143
Carriage House

In the mid-1700s, carriage houses were owned by only the rich and famous people. However, nowadays, it has become more popular among homeowners in the United States. It’s a multipurpose building separated from the main property and can serve as a store, a home, or an office.

Carriage houses have many unique characteristics that differentiate them from other house styles. If you’re considering adding more value to your real estate portfolio, there’s a wide selection of carriage house plans depending on your needs. 

Keep reading to discover the different unique characteristics that have made carriage houses a hot cake among other house styles.

What is a Carriage House?

A carriage house, also called a cart shed, is a detached building located on a residential property designed to provide additional living space. It can be built on the same property as an existing home or on a separate parcel. They may also have attached garages for parking vehicles. 

They are referred to as carriage houses because they were once used by the wealthy and powerful to transport horses and carriages around town or country. However, today, they are being used as offices, bars, guest houses, museums, tea rooms, art galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Although carriage houses are sometimes confused with carriage homes, they differ as the latter is similar to a townhouse and is used to portray small single-family homes that are built in small spaces. 

Characteristics of Carriage Houses

Building Styles

Carriage houses were usually two-story buildings with a broad and high central door that enabled drivers plenty of space to maneuver horse-drawn carriages around the building. The houses were located behind the main house in a separate space. However, they were built to imitate and complement the architectural style of the main building. 

For instance, the carriage house of a Victorian-style main house will have stained glass, a steep roof, scrollwork near the eaves, and dormer windows. However, if the main house is built in a craftsman style, the carriage house will have columns and a low-pitched roof.

Size

The size can vary from small to large, depending on the location of the lot. Carriage houses built in rural areas are usually bigger than those built in urban areas. They are built to accommodate many carriages and related equipment. They also have separate buildings for horses near or inside the carriage together with large living area apartments where drivers and other staff can live. 

In contrast, carriage houses built in urban cities are smaller and can only accommodate one carriage along with only necessary equipment. They also don’t have a living space for staff. However, you can still maximize the space without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Modern-day Uses of Carriage Houses

They Generate Extra Income

Due to the functions of carriage houses and the growing interest in renovating historic homes, they have become one of the greatest home investments that create a consistent flow of passive income. They provide a comfortable space for guests and a short- or long-term rental space which will bring a supplemental income to homeowners. Click here if you are you ready to own a home

They Add Value to Your Home

As earlier said, carriage homes also serve as workshops, garages, studios, or guest houses, therefore, they can add to the value of any home. Because they’re also rare to find, they sell for a good price. According to reports, a carriage house can increase the value of your home by up to 35%. It not only increases the functionality of your home, but it also beautifies it making it more appealing to potential buyers.

What Makes Carriage Houses Special?

Because of their ancient architectural building patterns, carriage houses are appealing to tourists. Also the fact that they are now hard to find has made them more interesting. 

Is a Carriage House For You?

Whether you’re looking for a passive income, or you just want to increase the value of your home, a carriage house is an excellent investment. However, you must do thorough research to determine whether it is the right step. Make sure to talk to structural engineers, architects and professional real estate agents to guide and advise you regarding the project in its entirety. 

Despite its many benefits, buying a carriage house can be challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to hire an experienced home inspector who will help you check things like the foundation, sewer lines, and roof and ensure it’s safe to buy. This way, you will save yourself from unwanted stress.

Emma Garcia is an expert researcher and writer with a passion for exploring new technologies and their potential to improve people's lifestyles. With a degree in computer science and a gift for making complex ideas accessible, she provides her readers with valuable information and practical tips for incorporating technology into their daily lives. She is committed to providing unbiased information and is a trusted source for anyone looking to make informed decisions about the technology they use. Ultimately, Emma Garcia aims to empower her readers to make the most of the technology available to them and improve their lives in the process.