Stealable Curb Appeal Ideas from Tudor Revivals

1. Tudor Revivals are modern-day reinventions of medieval cottages from the 1500s, so they have that totally enchanting English countryside vibe, even in the burbs.
2. No two Tudors look alike, thanks to half-timbering — those strips of wood (usually painted brown)that make one-of-a-kind patterns on the stucco or brick.
3. Their peaks (known as gables)make them so pretty! They rise up over dormer windows, doorways, and even the garage.
4. With their stone archways and house-hugging bricks, Tudors are warm and welcoming.
5. Simple, evergreen landscaping looks lovely. You could do flowers, but you sure don't have to!

Homeowner: Jeff Smith
House built in: 1927
When he bought it: 2000

"The roofline makes this Tudor unique. My neighbors call it The House of the Nine Gables." — Jeff Smith

Copy the Curb Appeal!
The Front Entry: An arched front door framed with stonework looks so fairy-tale. This mahogany door is extra adorable thanks to the round window (like an oversize peephole). The large gas lantern is the icing on the cake. Find a great selection of outdoor lighting at savannahcopperlanterns.com.

The wide chimney: Creeping fig growing up the brick and two chimney pots pile on the charm. Check out chimneypot.com for similar clay styles.

The Pretty Patio: Flagstone is as beautiful as it is durable: It can last for centuries!

Homeowners: Janice and Chris Peterson
House built in: early 1950s
When they bought it: 1999

"We love the peaks and valleys in the roof, and no one else has X details!" — Janice Peterson

Copy the Curb Appeal!
The Gorgeous Gable: A Tudor can be accessorized just like a favorite outfit. Take this dramatic front gable: The flowery X pattern is like jewelry for the house. Those cutouts would be perfect for a porch railing, too. Stucco: Eaglet Beige, Trim: Black Bean (both by Sherwin-Williams).

The Windows: These are casements instead of double-hung windows, so they are hinged at one side and open with a crank. Try andersenwindows.com.

The Driveway: A circle drive made of concrete or pea gravel charms up any entrance.

Homeowners: Melinda and Jeff Underwood
House built in: early 1950s
When they bought it: 1998
"There's such a sense of history, tradition, and stability with Tudor architecture." — Melinda Underwood

Copy the Curb Appeal!
The Color Scheme: Soft paint shades make this Tudor stand out in the crowd. Stucco: Sag Harbor Gray, Trim: Gloucester Sage (both by Benjamin Moore). A mortar wash gave the original bricks a pretty, aged patina, and the coordinating roof tiles tie the whole look together.

The Front Door: A dark, rich stain not only enhances the look of a door but also helps protect the wood. Try olympic.com.

The Landscaping: A Snowdrift vine grows above the front door, azalea shrubs line the house, and the lawn is zoysia grass.

Homeowners: Pamela and Anthony DiPiazza
House built in: early 1940s
When they bought it: 2001

"We're just the custodians of this house — meant to preserve it, then pass it on." — Pamela DiPiazza

Copy the Curb Appeal!
The Garage: "I wanted the garage to look like an old carriage house," says Pamela. "Almost like a horse and buggy might be pulling out." She had the solid cedar door custom-made to match the house through overheaddoor.com. The diamond details mimic the shapes on the front of the home.

The Paint Colors: It's the most classic combo! Stucco: Antique White, Trim: Tudor Brown (both by Benjamin Moore).

The Stonework: Stone facing made of slate or limestone looks like picture frames when it surrounds windows.