The main difference between a mews and a house is the type of building structure in which they are found. Mews are typically small terraced houses situated along a narrow street, or a gated or enclosed courtyard.
Houses, on the other hand, can refer to a wide variety of residential structures, such as detached houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows, townhouses, and cottage-style houses. A mews typically has two to three stories, while houses can have anywhere from one to five or more stories.
Additionally, mews often have communal living spaces such as gardens, while houses may each have their own private outdoor area.
Mews were originally built in the 19th century as riding stables, which were converted into houses when the demand for horse transport decreased. Today, they are mostly used as residential dwellings.
Houses, of course, are a much older concept and have been around for centuries.
Are mews houses good?
Mews houses can be a great choice for people looking for a great place to call home. These homes often come with the history and character of a Victorian house without the large size, making it suitable for those who don’t have or don’t need a lot of space.
Mews houses come in a variety of sizes and styles, meaning you can typically find a house that fits your needs and budget. These homes offer good privacy, great outdoor areas, and the potential for interesting renovations.
They can also provide relative affordability compared to other types of housing. Additionally, they often come with a desirable residential address.
On the downside, mews houses can sometimes come with significant maintenance issues due to age and a lack of refurbishment, and insurance can sometimes be more expensive. They are also typically smaller than traditional houses, so some people might find them too cramped.
Some mews houses may also be subject to restrictive covenants or legislation, meaning you don’t have the freedom to change or develop the property as you want.
In conclusion, mews houses can be a great choice for those who want a more affordable and low-maintenance property option. They can also add a certain charm and character to your home life. However, this type of house isn’t for everyone, and you should research carefully before committing, to ensure you’re getting what you need.
What does mews style house mean?
Mews style houses are a type of house distinctive for its typically compact size and traditional appearance. They are usually created by renovating or converting existing buildings or stables, such as old coach houses, into dwellings.
The term mews comes from the historically French word meaning a row of stables. Generally, Mews style houses are composed of two or three floors and feature classic brick designs sometimes complemented with a mix of blackened steel, wood, and glass.
Common features include low doorways, modern balconies, large bay windows, and slate roofs. Other popular architectural details include stripped walls, tile accents, vaulted ceilings, and gabled facades.
As living spaces, Mews style homes provide the perfect mix of contemporary styles and classic features, allowing them to blend into almost any urban setting.
What is an English mews house?
An English mews house is a type of building designed for horse stables and carriages that was first used in London during the 18th and 19th centuries. They are usually two- or three-storeyed brick buildings, with a central entrance and small paved courtyards, which are often located off a main avenue or street.
They were originally located at the rear of grand residences, and typically several such houses can be found together in close proximity. Of the highest quality, many mews Houses were purpose-built by architects and builders.
The liberal use of glass and metal allowed for much lighter and airier interiors, and the open plan layout was often utilised to the fullest extent. Its popularity as a housing type has grown particularly in recent years due to the growing appreciation of its charm and character.
In today’s property market, mews houses can command higher prices than other properties in similar locations, and their desirability is often compounded further by their rarity.
Why are houses called mews?
The term mews is derived from the French word “muer,” which means “to keep a hawk or falcon for the purpose of hunting. ” The original mewses were built as stable houses for keeping hawks and falcons as part of a royal hunting tradition in medieval Europe.
The stable quarters, known as mews, became a fashionable form of living accommodation in London during the reign of George IV. This was particularly due to the Earl of Leicester, who had built a luxurious mews in Leicester Square.
The original structures were purpose-built with stalls for horses and space for servants. Over time, the structures were altered and adapted for the purpose of residential housing. Many of these same structures, formed to imitate the classic stable design of the day, were and still are in use as residential dwellings in London.
The term mews is used to describe a row of largely intact, shared or street-facing, terraced houses or converted coach houses, originally built as stables or service buildings, often grouped by size such as small, medium and large.
The mews style is often seen in many historic cities in Europe, including Paris, Brussels, and Barcelona, in addition to other large cities around the world. Today, mews houses are still kept as residential housing, some of which have been modernized to fit in with the local style.
The English mews house is an enduring architectural form, providing an insight into the more intimate side of our architectural heritage.
What do you keep in mews?
Mews typically refer to areas that are home to horses, such as stables and haylofts. The horses are usually kept in individual stalls, which are usually quite narrow and deep. Depending on the size of the mews and the horses housed there, some mews may also feature amenities such as outdoor turnout areas and enclosed paddocks.
In addition to horses, mews may also include items such as saddle racks and saddles, bridles, hay, straw, and other horse related equipment. Buckets, brushes, hoof oil, and other items used for horse grooming are also typically found in mews.
How do you pronounce mews?
Mews is typically pronounced like the word “muse” – namely, /mjuːz/. It is the same pronunciation that is used to refer to a group of cats, as in “a group of mews”.
Is a mews a house?
No, a mews is not a house. A mews is a term used to describe an alleyway, or a courtyard, with a number of stables and/or coach houses around it. The term originally came from London during the 18th century, where wealthy people owned large homes with stables and carriages underneath them.
The streets would be closed off and turned into mews, where the owners could keep their horses and vehicles away from the main streets. As a result, many of the buildings around these mews were converted into small dwellings and apartments to accommodate grooms and other stable staff.
Today, a mews can refer to all types of alleyways, courtyards, and cobbled lanes that are lined with small houses or apartments.
What type of house is a mews?
A mews is a type of house typically found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They are traditionally made up of terraced homes, usually located in inner city areas. The term “mews” dates back to the 18th century and is derived from the French word ‘muer’, meaning ‘to change’.
The original mews were originally the horse stables and carriage houses of London’s wealthy elite. The buildings have since been converted into luxury residential properties. Mews houses are typically small and terraced, sometimes only two or three storeys high.
They have distinctive semi-detached or terraced façades and are often set back from the pavement. Some mews are made up of whole terraces of houses and an alleyway runs through them, which creates a secluded feel.
Mews houses are known for their charming interiors, featuring exposed brick walls, fireplaces and period features that make them attractive to affluent buyers seeking a fashionable city residence.
Do mews houses have gardens?
Yes, many mews houses do have gardens. Mews houses are typically converted stables or garage buildings that were once used in the servitude of upper-class households or as permanent homes for horses.
Today, they often retain the original brick façade, but many have been renovated and converted into residences. Many of these renovated mews house properties feature small gardens and outdoor spaces that can provide a peaceful respite or a place to entertain guests.
Some mews houses are also located in gated communities, providing even more space and privacy with landscaped courtyards and gardens.
What is a mews house in England?
A mews house in England is a unique type of residential property that originated in London. Its name derives from the French ‘muer’ meaning to mutilate or moult. The mews house is nestled in a courtyard and was originally used as provinical stabling for horse-drawn carriages, with the upper floors being living quarters for the stable hands.
During the late 19th century, many of these mews were converted into dwellings, often with two storeys of garages below and two storeys of living accommodation above. Throughout the decades, these mews houses have become increasingly popular due to their stylish and accessible urban location, leading to an evolution from functional stables to luxurious residences.
Today many of these mews can be found across more affluent parts of the UK, with organisations such as the National Trust championing the preservation of such structures. Although their original purpose is all but lost, it’s easy to be enchanted by the undeniable beauty of the ‘cobbled’ courtyards, quaint alleys and notably the sense of privacy that the mews offers.
Why is it called a mews house?
A mews house is so-named because of its historical origins. Historically, mews were specifically designed for housing horses, along with their servants, or ‘grooms. ‘ Mews were also often situated in or near stables or ‘stables blocks’, and very often had a courtyard or a walled-off space.
The term ‘mews’ is often thought to have derived from ‘mouettes’, the French word for ‘seagulls’, as they were often built near water.
In modern times, mews houses still maintain those characteristics, however they now more often refer to more recently built residential housing in the form of townhouses, usually found in London. The considered and classical design of these townhouses, combined with their beautiful location, make mews houses appealing to both modern buyers and homeowners.
In addition, the tight cubes of housing often sequestered away offer an idyllic and charming respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.