I’ve had a love of period houses ever since I picked up my first Jane Austen novel, Jane Ayre. Little did I 11-year-old Maria in Trinidad know she’d make England her home. So, here I am and I relish a sojourn to a manor house whenever I can. Granted the history of those ‘great houses’ are likely to be linked to the enslavement of Black ancestors; I appreciate their beauty. English homes are also fascinating. They reveal the historical events that impacted the nation and the area in which they were built. For example, the popular 1930’s semi-detached homes that were built in between two world wars. My own home is a 1930’s semi and I love it dearly. Let’s explore the history and style of the 1930’s semi.

History of 1930’s Suburban Semi

After WWI there was a boom in housing developments. Land outside of the cities were cheaper to acquire and build. Links by trail and tram were easier which meant workers could commute. Therefore, the land around those links were used to build semi-detached properties  because they were cheaper to build and could be purchased with a smaller affordable loan. Additionally, they had all the features important to the aspirational home owner. Nowadays, the 1930’s semi is the most common form of housing in the suburbs.

The Attraction of 1930’s Semi

Instagram is full of Victorian and Edwardian  renos that are stunning and grandiose. Still I luv my lil 1930’s semi. When Hubby and I were looking for our new home the non-negotiables were light n’ bright, more than one way to access property, decent size garden for our then pre-teens, and privacy. When I saw privacy, I mean, when my neighbours and I leave in the morning I didn’t want us to be near shoulder to shoulder out of respective front doors. The stars aligned and we got what we wanted. It only required a few DIYs (and a new kitchen!). Lately, young couples are being drawn to the 1930’s semi for similar reasons. It’s said they are seeking the lighting and valuable side access.

Other attributes to the 1930’s Semi are: pebbledashed walls, recessed porches, and mock timber framing, inspired by the Arts and Crafts designs. It can be easily recognised by a hipped roof and curved bay windows. Thankfully, our house has neither pebbledash nor the mock timber framing.

Interior Features Of 1930’s

Interiors vary if the home has been modernised further. However, as a standard the 1930’s semi Interior features include: bathroom, inside toilet, third bedroom, better insulated, light and airy. The kitchen was setup for cooking and washing were both done there. They would also have gas or electric cookers and a freestanding hot water boiler. Our kitchen is a narrow galley kitchen with the above a leads out onto the patio and north-facing garden.  The living room is separated from the kitchen and dining area from by a wall. Some homes have a door way in that wall which gives easy access to the kitchen from the living room. However, we enter our kitchen from the front hall, through the dining room to the kitchen.

I’ve noticed in an attempt to make every inch count; modern renovations opt for an open plan. Our set-up suits us. We all like having our cosy spot in the house, whether it’s our bedroom, favourite, or the kitchen one cook at a time.

What type of home do you live in? What attracted you to that particular property?

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Feature Image credit: Fifi McGee via Pinterest