Build Your Dream French Country House

09 May Build Your Dream French Country House

The traditional French Country style of architecture looks right at home in Northern California. Beautiful masonry, rustic wood accents, stone floors and charming dormer windows are just part of the appeal. The warmth and attention to detail that go into the designing of a French Country home makes it an ideal inspiration for a custom dream home.

Best of all there’s no right or wrong way to design a French Country house. By definition the style includes a mix of materials and features. From stucco Mediterranean cottages to brick and stone castles your vision can take many shapes. A custom home builder can help you achieve the European look you want in a way that blends perfectly with the California landscape.

French Country Exteriors

In rural France homes are often built to last for centuries. The exteriors display the strength and stability of a hand-built house and this gallery of French Country homes from HGTV shows the wide range of possibilities.

French Country style homes built in California tend to feature some or all of these exterior features:

• Brick or stone facades
• Asymmetric designs
• Multiple gable roofs
• Dark wood frames, soffits, and columns
• Cobblestone driveways and walkways
• Window shutters
• Wrought iron French balcony
• Pavilion structures
• Arched windows and doorways

Floor Plans for French Country Houses

Inside your custom French Country home you should feel free to choose a floor plan that works best for your family and lifestyle. Many of our clients want the French farmhouse look from the outside with a modern concept floor plan. Others want more traditional features like beamed ceilings and stone floors.

The biggest question is: do you want a modern, open-concept kitchen and entertainment area, or a more traditional floor plan?

The farmhouse or chateau style could include a kitchen enclosed by French doors but we can also design a custom floor plan for a French Country home that looks provincial but has a contemporary layout.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Interior Design

As the home builder we can incorporate elements of French Country style when choosing materials and finishes. Whether you want a dark and rustic enclave or a bright and airy pastoral effect you’ll want to work with skilled carpenters and designers to achieve the look.

When everything is settled, you’ll be ready to enjoy yourself decorating in the French style.

Consider some of these finishes and installations to complete your French Country home:

• Wrought iron features
• Brick or stone kitchen floor
• Casement windows in kitchens and bathrooms
• Heavy, dark wood cabinetry
• Clawfoot bathtub or farmhouse bath
• Basement wine cellar
• Curved stairways
• Foyer with vaulted ceiling

Working with a French Country Custom Home Builder

Guided by your style and vision an experienced contractor can build your dream home with all of your favorite design features.

Because the French Country style involves a wide variety of materials it also requires a variety of talent and skills. Make sure that your new home construction company has the resources to produce the beautiful stonework and carpentry that goes into a proper French Country home.

Our work in the Marin and Sonoma County area often includes the French style of architecture and it’s one of our favorite designs. See what we’ve done with a French Chateau in Santa Rosa. Interested in building a custom French Country home? Contact us and say bonjour.