11 Things You'll Know If You Live In A Victorian Courtyard (2023)

The boom in manufacturing and commerce in the Victorian era led to a boom in housing, particularly in our towns and suburbs. So it's no wonder that most houses in this country are Victorian terraced houses.

As does anyone who lives in one of the manyVictorian TerracesYou know, these character houses have their quirks. From sloping walls to slightly small spaces, these homes require special attention when it comes to updating them for modern living.

So if you live in a small house, probably built for workers, maybe some of these thoughts will touch you.

1. Everyone will describe your house as "pretty" or "cosy".

No matter how hard you tried to create the illusion of space (mirrors, compact furniture, a totally minimalist style...), everyone who walks through the door will notice how cute and cozy your house is. Yes, they're polite, but try not to get angry because you're replacing "snug" with "tiny" in your head. The Victorians didn't like any of thisopen plannonsense - ok?

2. You must apologize to the guests on behalf of your doors

Traditional Victorian cottage doors are approximately 6 feet high. If you have visitors who are taller, they will inevitably bump their heads at least once during their visit. You can put up panels on your door or put up an innovative Mind Your Head sign, but why compromise on the look of your home when you can make an embarrassed apology every time you maim your guests?

3. Those who remove period items from their homes should be exiled

Whether you bought your home complete with the original features or have lovingly restored it, you avoid anyone who removes it. Watching some of the clumsy real estate developers do ithouses under the hammerit leaves the expression of someone chewing on a wasp. And visits to friends' homes whose windows have been replaced with plastic may result in the breaking of all ties (or at least a strong disapproving look). Which brings us to the next point...

4. Do I want my home to be cozy or authentic?

These unique single pane wood windows look beautiful, but on a cold winter evening you will want that second pane of glass. No wonder Glen and Judy replaced their wooden windows with the cheaper PVC mentioned above in number 34. Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds and if yourWindows need to be replacedPlease note the available double glazed wood options.

5. You will become the king/queen of storage solutions

The average Victorian had far less stuff than we do today, so the need for extensive built-in closets and storage was not common. you, however,AgainYou will have many things, and over the years you will develop sophisticated ways of storing them whenever possible.

Vacuum storage bags will become your new best friends (let's ignore the fact that a month later you've used them again and they've inflated again) and you'll be amazed at how many things you can pack in them.Storage space under the stairs. Mantels were designed to hold the ends of your alcove shelves, right? And I bet you have all kinds of chair/storage box hybrids.

Small storage not quite nailed down? You will love everythingStorage ideas for a small house:

• Storage ideas for small kitchens
• Small bedroom storage ideas
• Small bathroom storage ideas

6. You face a daily battle between proper ventilation and proper waterproofing.

Victorian homes can be a little too airy, so we cover the chimney, cover the air bricks and shield the windows from drafts until the odd breeze coming through the living room stops.

Then, before you know it, you have mold stains and leaking walls.condensationevery time you dare to breathe There will be a traumatic moment when you honestly believe you have to put up with a life of drafts or mold hazards.

But wait, all is not lost! CanTest your home's design to reduce your electricity billsand limit the cold, but don't forget to plan for ventilation.

Your kitchen and bathroom need a vent to remove odors and condensation, and there's nothing quite like opening the windows for 10-15 minutes each day for fresh air and sunlight - remember mold grows in dark, damp areas thrives.

If you need it, read our guide to find out.how to get rid of mold and mildew.

7. Sometimes it seems that you live in the same house as your neighbors

Nobody should underestimate the power of good soundproofing.

A single layer of brick between you and the neighbor, insulated with little more than maybe some plaster, can look as thin as a sheet of paper when the neighbor is throwing a party.

Yes, you'll hear their music, the TV, the snoring, the breakups, the makeup (simple, tiger), and the late-night cat talk.

Remember, the key to having a successful relationship with your neighbors is communicating problems early on. You probably don't know how easily sound travels.

So, if possible, improve the soundproofing between your houses by using sound-absorbing materials or installing soundproof doors.

And if you can't, remember that when you're home alone, that odd noise or buzzing coming from next door, reminding you they're there, can be very comforting.

8. Not having a single straight line in your house

Those rustic wonky walls look so gorgeous until you try to install built-ins.independent kitchenClosets can be a solution, but you already know that laying tiles on the floor or wall will be fun. And forget about trying to make the photos look perfectly aligned.

9. Your house makes a lot of strange noises

Another symptom of instability is your home's ability to communicate with its creaking doors and wobbly floors. These noises quickly become a problem when you have to go home late without waking up the whole family.

10. You rejoiced when the distressed look came back in style.

Rustic charm, shabby chic and used flair - your home has it all. Who would have thought that pretty slimmed down wallpaper you've been trying to finish since the summer of 2012 would become a "thing"? And praise himexposed brickTrend because now you don't have to pay for a plasterer anymore.

11. But you still love every imperfection in your home...

The cracks, the creaking, the crooked walls, the whistling of the windows in strong winds. Those are the things that add character to your home, and that's what you love it for, after all.

Read more about Victorian houses:

• LearnHow do I renovate a Victorian house?
• verhow to enlarge a victorian house
• Victorian Townhouse Design Ideas