10 French Country House Exterior Designs We Love
By: Mackenzie
French country design style harmonizes rustic elegance with timeless charm. Distinctive elements include steeply pitched roofs and quaint accents that reflect a romantic countryside allure, like shutters and floral window boxes. Limewashed brick or natural stone exteriors add a weathered, textural quality common with the style. Symmetry and asymmetry coexist on a French country house, creating a balanced yet organic feel. Ultimately, the style encapsulates the essence of rural France, and our designers understand how to embrace every element to enhance curb appeal. Read on for some of our favorite French country exteriors.
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#1 // Country garden vibes
Whimsical landscaping seamlessly complements this French country house, creating a romantic and charming ambiance. The vibrant blooms and winding flower bed are reminiscent of the idyllic French countryside, and the flower boxes on the upper level add dimension against the steep pitch of the mansard-style roof. Our designers also included window planters on the patio, complete with bright flowers that bring the perfect burst of contrast against the off-white brick.
#2 // There’s something about symmetry
Symmetry is paramount for a French country house. In this design, we fully embraced a uniform façade, starting with the windows. We flanked the entrance with matching paned windows, which we aligned with the same windows on the upper level. We used a smaller version above the portico but maintained the paned style with shutters to match the other windows.
On the roofline, we added three paned dormers, which we lined up to the windows (and front door) on the lower levels. Completing the congruity, we put planters on each side of the front door, garage door, and front step.
#3 // Elegant elements
For this French country house, our designers leaned into romanticism. The symmetrical round towers, complete with bronze metal roofs, infuse the façade with a fairytale-like ambiance. We enhanced the elegant-yet-whimsical vibe with arched wood garage doors, mounted lanterns, and beautiful landscaping.
Our designers also emphasized architecture true to the French country style. From the steep hipped roof to the symmetrical windows, this home exudes an aesthetic reminiscent of a historic French châteaux.
#4 // Emphasize the entrance
From the winding driveway and the elegantly lit walkway to the climbing vines and the Corten steel planter, this French country house has an exterior bursting with alluring elements (including one dashing dog). Still, our designers were able to hone in on the entryway as a focal point.
We built the entrance out for a layered appearance and covered it with stone, deriving contrast against the off-white stucco rendered in Sherwin Williams’ Creamy. Furthering the eye-catching essence of the entry, we capped it with a copper awning and copper light fixtures surrounding the glass front doors.
#5 // Start at the rooftop
One of the most quintessential features of a French country house is a steep hipped roof. In this design, the roof’s steep slopes and pronounced angles are evident, and we enhanced them with dormer windows on the lower level. We continued tapping the allure of rural France with the French doors and symmetrical windows and shutters.
Our designers wanted to embrace classic French country elements with a rustic appeal, so we covered the exterior with limewashed brick. We also topped the elegant entrance with an ornate arched window — the lone curved window among otherwise symmetrical, rectangular panes.
#6 // Exposed beams & natural materials
The muted tones of the limewashed brick on this French country house create a warm and welcoming aesthetic. Combined with the exposed beams, the weathered appearance of the brick offers a rustic elegance. Across the façade, we implemented symmetry with windows. Our designers also flanked the double doors of the entrance with matching planters and lanterns for a cohesive look.
We weaved in other natural materials in a subtle way, from the cobblestone among the landscaping to the copper gutters and wood doors. Amplifying the inviting vibe, we added multiple seating areas, providing comfortable spaces to enjoy the enchanting exterior.
#7 // French country with a farmhouse flare
Not every French country house sticks to a by-the-book approach to the style. This client was seeking a combination of a French country and modern farmhouse vibe, and our designers delivered. We embraced staple French country elements like cobblestone, limewashed brick, symmetrical windows and chimneys, whimsical blooms, and climbing vines on the wood pergola.
Bringing a bit of a modern farmhouse aura to the exterior, we embraced wood shutters and white shake siding. While these two styles might seem and sound like complete opposites, our designers were able to join them together in a cohesive design that teems with the rustic elegance we can’t get enough of.
#8 // Accents for ambiance
Here, our designers thoughtfully incorporated quaint decor to infuse this exterior with provincial charm. We accentuated the winding walkway with uniform shrubs and landscape lighting. Our designers also elevated this French country house’s curb appeal with mounted lighting, flower boxes, shutters, landscaping, and planters. Bringing a bit of dimension to the steep roof, we embraced dormer windows.
#9 // Slants & slopes
For this French country house, we thoughtfully balanced symmetrical and asymmetrical architecture for a dynamic exterior. We filled in the asymmetrical left side of the façade with a large arched, paned window, surrounded by lush landscaping. On the same side, we incorporated an arched door, accentuated by a climbing vine. Near the entrance, we included symmetrical windows, along with a seating space to drive home the inviting feel of the design.
#10 // Harness a romantic aesthetic
We love the way subtle touches can take a French country house to the next level. The layered gables on this exterior provide a breathtaking architectural blueprint. Adding even more dimension, we stamped arches on the stucco of each of the peaked sections. On the larger side, we embraced a subtle arched indent above the windows.
Our designers also created an arched brick outline to enhance the entry door. Another architectural highlight of this exterior is the large chimney. Drawing the eye to this feature, we covered it with climbing vines, along with a black chimney cap for contrast (one of the home’s only black elements). Throughout this breathtaking design, simple accents work together to create a humble but romantic aesthetic.
Daydreaming about transporting your home to the French country?
So relocating your home across the pond to the French countryside is a little unrealistic, but infusing your home with provincial charm is well within reach. From garden-style landscaping and natural materials to symmetrical façades, brick&batten understands what it takes to transform a French country house. Partner with us, and we’ll help you arrive at the French countryside from the comfort of your own home.
Feeling inspired to go forth and conquer your wildest exterior design dreams? Don’t stifle your goals — partner with us and we will take the reigns. Get started today!
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