7 Stunning French Country House Plans That Will Inspire Your Next Project
Dreaming of the timeless charm of French country homes?
French country house exteriors offer a captivating blend of elegance and rustic charm that’s hard to resist.
In this article, I provide a visual feast of beautiful French country exteriors to inspire your next home project.
I. Visual Inspiration: French Country House Exteriors
The exteriors of French country homes often feature natural materials such as stone and brick, steeply pitched roofs, and inviting entryways with arched doors and shutters.
These elements combine to create a look that is both timeless and welcoming.
1. Traditional French Country Villa
This charming French country home radiates the bright aesthetic typical of coastal regions like the Île de Ré or the Charente-Maritime.
The crisp white stucco walls are complemented by light blue shutters and a matching front door, creating a fresh and inviting facade.
The terracotta tile roof adds a touch of rustic warmth, while the lush greenery and decorative elements enhance the overall appeal.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- White Stucco Walls: The clean, white stucco walls provide a bright and airy feel. Use white or light-colored stucco or paint for your exterior to achieve this fresh and coastal-inspired look.
- Light Blue Shutters and Door: The light blue shutters and front door create a harmonious color palette. Choose pastel colors for your shutters and door to add a touch of coastal charm and a welcoming vibe.
- Terracotta Tile Roof: The traditional terracotta roof tiles add warmth and a rustic touch.
- Arched Doorway: The arched doorway adds a touch of architectural interest and elegance.
- Decorative Elements: The decorative lanterns, potted plants, and garden ornaments add personality and charm to the exterior.
- Lush Landscaping: The well-maintained garden with a mix of tropical plants and native greenery enhances the overall appeal.
2. Classic Normandy Brick Estate with Ivy Adornments
This elegant French country home features the classic charm of brick architecture, commonly found in the northern regions of France.
The facade is adorned with pale green shutters and intricate wrought-iron balcony railings. The symmetrical design and tall, double-hung windows create a balanced and stately appearance.
The climbing ivy enhance the timeless beauty of this traditional home.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Brick Facade: The rich red brick exterior provides a sturdy and timeless look.
- Pale Green Shutters: The pale green shutters add a soft, complementary contrast to the red brick. Choose muted, pastel colors for your shutters to achieve a similar elegant effect. Ensure the shutters are functional or at least appear to be, for an authentic look.
- Symmetrical Design: The balanced and symmetrical design of the house, with evenly spaced windows and a centered front door, enhances its stately appearance. Plan your facade layout with symmetry in mind to capture this classic style.
- Wrought-Iron Balcony Railings: Incorporate similar decorative ironwork on balconies, window grilles, or as garden accents.
3. Mediterranean Villa with Vibrant Blue Shutters
This beautiful French country home exemplifies the sunny style typical of the Provence region.
The warm, sandy-colored stucco walls are paired with bright blue shutters, creating a striking contrast that evokes the Mediterranean charm.
The terracotta tile roof and stone terrace add to the rustic elegance, while the inviting swimming pool complete the picturesque setting.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Warm Stucco Walls: The sandy-colored stucco walls provide a warm and welcoming appearance.
- Bright Blue Shutters: The vibrant blue shutters are a signature element of Provençal homes.
- Terracotta Tile Roof: The classic terracotta tiles add warmth and a rustic touch.
- Stone Terrace: Incorporate stone features in your landscaping or patio design to enhance the rustic charm.
- Lush Landscaping: Focus on Mediterranean plants like lavender, rosemary, and olive trees to create a lush and aromatic garden.
4. Elegant Provence Mansion with Lush Gardens
This stunning French country home exudes timeless elegance with its classic two-story design and soft pastel facade.
The traditional tile roof and symmetrical layout are quintessential features of French country architecture.
The large, arched French windows and doors flood the interiors with natural light and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Symmetrical Design: Notice the balanced arrangement of windows and doors. To achieve this look, aim for symmetry in your home’s facade, using matching pairs of windows and centered doors.
- Pastel Facade: The soft pastel exterior enhances the home’s charm. Consider painting your exterior in a light, neutral color to evoke a similar aesthetic.
- Arched Windows and Doors: Incorporate these into your design to allow natural light to flood your interiors and to add architectural interest.
- Lush Landscaping: The meticulously trimmed shrubs, palm trees, and verdant lawn create an inviting atmosphere.
- Outdoor Living Spaces: Create a cozy outdoor space with comfortable seating, a dining area, and perhaps a small garden to enjoy the outdoors in style.
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Imagine walking through your front door and feeling the charm of a quaint French village.
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- The secrets of French interior architecture, from cozy, inviting layouts to the elegant details that make these homes so special.
- The unique regional differences that bring a diverse range of French styles to your fingertips, helping you find the perfect match for your vision.
- In-depth insights into the craftsmanship of French walls, floors, and other architectural elements, ensuring every inch of your home radiates French charm.
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5. Timeless Normandy Timber-Frame Architecture
This charming French country home showcases the classic colombage or half-timbered style, which is particularly prevalent in the Normandy region of France.
The house features a beautiful combination of exposed wooden beams and white plaster, creating a striking, geometric facade.
The steeply pitched roofs with intricate detailing, large multi-pane windows, and small balconies add to the home’s picturesque and historic appeal.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Half-Timbered Facade: To replicate this style, consider using timber framing with light-colored infill. While traditional techniques use plaster, modern materials can achieve a similar aesthetic.
- Steeply Pitched Roofs: When designing your home, incorporate steeply pitched roofs to capture the essence of traditional French country homes.
- Large Windows with Multiple Panes: Choose windows with divided lights to mimic this look, enhancing both the exterior and interior aesthetics.
- Small Balconies and Detailed Rooflines: The small balconies and intricate roofline details add character and charm.
6. Charming Basque Country Home with Poolside Retreat
This beautiful French country home showcases the distinctive architectural style of the Basque region.
The white stucco walls are complemented by bright blue shutters and red tile roofs, creating a striking and cheerful facade.
The house features a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, with arched doorways and large windows that open up to a stunning pool area and lush garden.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Bright Blue Shutters: To replicate this look, choose a bold color for your shutters and doors that contrasts with the main facade.
- Red Tile Roof: Consider using clay tiles for an authentic look that also provides durability and weather resistance.
- White Stucco Walls: Use white or light-colored stucco to achieve this fresh and timeless appearance.
- Arched Doorways and Windows: Incorporate arched doorways and windows to enhance the aesthetic appeal and create a more open and inviting space.
- Outdoor Living Space: The beautiful pool area and outdoor seating create a perfect space for relaxation and entertainment.
7. Rustic Stone Cottage with Expansive Gardens
This charming French country home exemplifies the rustic elegance typical of rural French architecture.
The exterior features a beautiful combination of stone and brickwork, creating a textured and inviting facade.
The upper-level decorative timber framing and the lush garden surrounding the house further enhance its picturesque charm.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Stone and Brick Facade: The mix of stone and brick gives the house a rustic yet elegant appearance.
- Steeply Pitched Roof: The steep roofline with dormer windows is a hallmark of French country homes.
- Dormer Windows: Add dormer windows to your roof design for both functionality and charm.
- Covered Porch: The inviting covered porch provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Decorative Timber Framing: Use exposed wooden beams or faux timber framing to capture this look.
- Lush Garden: The well-maintained garden with mature trees and shrubs complements the rustic charm of the house.
8. Modern Coastal Retreat with Pool and Deck
This modern French country home blends contemporary design with the rustic charm typical of coastal regions.
The crisp white exterior is complemented by a terracotta tile roof, providing a clean and timeless look.
Large sliding glass doors connect the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly, leading to a wooden deck and an inviting swimming pool.
Key Features and Tips to Replicate the Look:
- Crisp White Exterior: Use high-quality white paint or stucco for a fresh and contemporary look that reflects sunlight beautifully.
- Terracotta Tile Roof: Consider using terracotta or clay tiles for your roof to achieve a classic Mediterranean feel.
- Large Sliding Glass Doors: Incorporate large windows or glass doors to enhance natural light and provide easy access to outdoor areas.
- Wooden Deck: The wooden deck surrounding the pool adds a natural element.
- Inviting Swimming Pool: The simple, rectangular pool design complements the modern aesthetic.
- Outdoor Furniture: Choose minimalist, weather-resistant furniture to create a stylish and comfortable outdoor living area.
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Bonjour! I’m Mathilde, a French girl living in the countryside near the sea. If you’re curious to learn more about me, read my full story.
