I’m an old-house convert. Having previously shared our experience of moving from a 1930s semi to a 1920s detached house, I wanted to share some of the original features that make our current home so special. I used to think new builds were the way to go, but after living in two period properties, I’ve well and truly changed my mind. The Truth is, the character older properties bring simply cannot be bought. There’s just something so special about them — the charm, the imperfections and the history they hold. For me, that’s what makes an old house a home and it’s always worth the extra effort of maintaining an older property.
Here are some of my favourite original features in our 1920s period home.
Butler’s Bell — Now Repurposed as a Doorbell
The original 1920s Butler’s Bell is something I’m often asked about!
Every time someone comes to visit, I get asked about this! I feel so lucky that the previous owners kept the original butler’s bell and repurposed it as a doorbell. It still looks pristine and immediately takes me back to the 1920s, wondering what life must have been like back then. The butler’s bell is the perfect example of how things made from quality materials stand the test of time and never go out of style. These bells were once a common feature in larger period properties and they add exactly the kind of charm you’d hope to find in an older home today. If you’re ever lucky enough to inherit one, never get rid of it. It’s truly a special piece of history.
The Secret Window — An Original Feature With a New Life
Original window with mirrored glass in a 1920s period home.
Like many older properties, our house, despite being a large detached home, had a fairly small kitchen and dining room compared to the rest of the house. Extending it has allowed us to turn it into a true family home, with space for a kitchen island and a large dining table. The new extension starts just beyond the living room, where the original window is still intact. The glass in the leaded frame has since been replaced with mirror glass, creating a cosy little corner that always reminds me just how small this room used to be. It’s now a small window mirror that you barely notice, but I’m so glad it’s still part of the house. I always try to think about how original features can be preserved or repurposed rather than removed. Once they’re gone, there’s no going back and I love having little reminders of the home’s history woven into our everyday life.
The Original Brick Fireplace in the Hall
Original red brick fireplace in the hall.
The red brick fireplace in the hall is something you instantly notice as you walk in. It sets the tone for the house and immediately gives you a sense of the era it belongs to. Red brick fireplaces can be quite dominating in a room, but because this one is relatively small, it works beautifully in the space. I’d never paint it or change it. That said, I’m also guilty of changing a few period features in our home and I don’t regret it. So, I wouldn’t necessarily advise against making changes, as it really comes down to personal taste. Just bear in mind that, in some cases, altering original features could affect your home’s resale value.
The Original Wooden Front Door
Original wooden front door is still looking pristine.
We all love a grand entrance and is there anything better than an original front door complete with its traditional knocker? I don’t think so. I remember the door pretty much selling the house to me when we first came to view it. It looked so majestic, and despite the property being quite large, I also felt that it was incredibly cosy and welcoming. Thanks to all the wood and original features, it oozes understated elegance and charm, something I think many newer houses lack these days. Of course, a wooden front door does require a little maintenance. Keeping the wood oiled and the hardware in good condition is essential but that’s pretty much it. With the right care, a solid wooden door can last for generations and I wouldn’t be surprised if it were sturdier than many of the doors fitted in newer homes today.
The Inglenook Fireplace
The original inglenook recess remains intact, with a modern fireplace in place of the original.
The inglenook fireplace (a recessed area surrounding a fireplace) is an original feature of our home. Although the original red brick fireplace has since been removed, the recess itself remains. Traditionally, inglenooks served a practical purpose, providing a sheltered nook for heating and cooking. Today, they’re more of a statement feature and quite an architectural rarity. You simply don’t see original inglenooks very often which makes them all the more special. They tend to be large and imposing, taking up quite a bit of space, so they’re not something you’d typically find in an average UK home. However, they’re more common in traditional farm cottages and Arts and Crafts houses, where they complement the character and architecture beautifully. Creating faux inglenooks has also become increasingly popular, particularly in newer homes looking to introduce a little period charm. And while I can appreciate the appeal, I think we can all agree that nothing quite compares to the real thing. Original inglenooks have a sense of history and authenticity that simply cannot be replicated.
The Original Oak Parquet Flooring
Discovering original parquet flooring in an old house is like finding gold dust. We had it in the hallway but it wasn’t until we lifted the carpet in the living room that we discovered it was hiding underneath there too! Restoring original features can be rewarding but it can also be costly when repairs or improvements are needed. For homeowners exploring different ways to finance property improvements, second mortgage rates may be one aspect to research when weighing up their options. However, original flooring is one thing I would never rip out. If you ever discover original flooring hiding beneath your carpets, restore it, keep it and enjoy it for as long as you can!
The Original Wooden Ceiling Beams
Original oak parquet flooring and wooden beams in the hallway.
I love the contrast between the dark wood and the white ceiling. The beams really stand out, drawing your eye upwards and adding depth and texture to the rooms. They also complement the original parquet flooring beautifully, creating a lovely sense of continuity between the different features of the house. I know faux ceiling beams have become quite popular in recent years and I can see why. They’re a great way to introduce character into a newer property but you simply cannot replicate the look and feel of original wooden beams. The natural variations in the wood, the imperfections and the patina that develop over decades are what make them so special. Each beam is unique, carrying its own history and telling a little story about the house itself. Of course, dark wooden beams might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and they do require a little extra attention when it comes to cleaning, but I think they’re absolutely worth it. They bring a sense of authenticity that you just can’t manufacture and they’re one of those features that make an older property feel truly special.
Large Original 1920s Windows
The tall window looks striking with the Sputnik lighting pendant.
I love natural light streaming through the windows, so large windows (and high ceilings, if you’re lucky) are a lovely perk of many older properties. One of my favourite features is the tall window overlooking the staircase. It allows plenty of natural light to flood in while offering lovely views outside. It serves a practical purpose, but it’s also a beautiful architectural feature in its own right. These windows can be a real design feature too and I think they look particularly striking when paired with a statement chandelier. It’s one of those combinations that adds a touch of understated elegance while making the most of the natural light and sense of space.
The Woodland Garden — Our Outdoor Sanctuary
The leafy woodland garden was one of the biggest selling points.
And finally, it was the garden that really sold us on this wonderful family period property. We were looking for more space, both indoors and outdoors, and this house ticked all the boxes. Without a doubt, my favourite thing about the garden is the woodland that overlooks our house, giving us so much privacy. It feels as though we live next to a forest. During the summer months, we get to see so many wonderful animals, birds and insects in the garden, including endangered species like stag beetles being just one of them! There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by nature, especially when you have children. It gives them the freedom to explore, discover and appreciate the wildlife right on their doorstep. For us, it’s one of the most special things about living here and I feel incredibly lucky that we get to enjoy it every day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always plain sailing. Of course, maintaining and repairing an older home takes more time, care and money than looking after a new build, but I still wouldn’t change it for the world. I honestly cannot wait to spend many more years here, making the most of everything this home has to offer. From its original period features and unique character to the beautiful natural surroundings, it’s a reminder of why I fell in love with older properties in the first place. They have so much history, charm and personality that I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
