Woodward's Country Homes

"Woodward's Country Homes" by George E. Woodward and F. W. Woodward is a detailed handbook from the 1800s focused on architecture for homes outside of the city. It presents many designs and blueprints aimed at helping people create or upgrade their homes in the country, spanning from modest cottages to sophisticated villas, showcasing the era’s movement towards improving country living and the interest in beautiful and functional homes in rural areas. The book starts by explaining that the authors want to meet the varied needs of people wanting to build homes in the country. It talks about how society is changing, with more people moving from cities to rural areas coupled with a need for home designs that match what they want. They show how important it is for homes to fit in with their environment, the materials used, and how people live, supporting homes that blend well with nature. They thoroughly explain how to choose good locations and materials, including planning the overall design before covering the architectural examples in the latter portion of the book.