What is a Farmhouse: Types, Pros & Cons, FAQs

By: ROS Team

The farmhouse style has grown in popularity in recent years, and it appears that everyone wants a home that resembles a rustic country barn.

For some people, this is the perfect style for their home. But what exactly is a farmhouse? And should you live in one?

In this guide, we’ll go over all you need to know about farmhouses and why they’re so popular.

What is Farmhouse Style?

A farmhouse is a style of house that originated in the rural countryside. It is commonly a one-story building with an asymmetrical exterior and a front porch.

Farmhouses are usually made of stone or brick and painted white to reflect the light. The inside is usually open-plan, with high ceilings and wide windows that let in a lot of light.

Types of Farm Houses

Farmhouses are classified into various categories, each with its unique architectural style and characteristics.

Here are some examples of common farmhouse styles:

1. American Foursquare

Also known as Prairie Box or Square House
Hipped roof
Two-and-a-half stories

2. Victorian Farmhouse

Influenced by Victorian architecture
Multiple stories
Wrap-around porches

3. Colonial Farmhouse

Inspired by Colonial architecture
Features a rectangular or square shape
Multi-pane windows and a front porch.

4. Cape Cod Farmhouse

This farmhouse style originated in New England
Symmetrical facade and a cozy, cottage-like appearance

5. Greek Revival Farmhouse

Influenced by Greek architecture
Tall columns, pediments, and a symmetrical design
A gable roof

6. Craftsman Farmhouse

A blend of Craftsman and farmhouse styles
Low-pitched roof
Wide eaves with exposed rafters

7. Modern Farmhouse (More details on this below)

Combine rustic charm with modern design elements
Covered porches
Open floor plans

8. French Country Farmhouse

Inspired by the French countryside
Steep roofs with dormers
Arched windows

9. Scandinavian Farmhouse

Reflecting Scandinavian design principles
Natural wood elements

Pros of a Farmhouse

Peaceful and serene environment

Farmhouses are spacious, with lots of storage space. They also provide a lot of natural light and fresh air, giving you the impression that you’re living in a rural location rather than the city.

You’ll find that farmhouses are affordable compared to other types of houses. Plus, there’s an abundance of green spaces and fresh air–which may be important factors for people who want to raise children or just want to get away from it all sometimes!

The countryside tends to have lower crime rates than cities, which means that if you buy a farmhouse, you won’t have to worry about being robbed.

Cons of a Farmhouse

Longer travel time to urban amenities.

Farmhouses are usually old, which means they require a lot of upkeep. This can be an issue if your farmhouse is in the middle of nowhere and there is no one around who can help with repairs.

Farmhouses typically have a lot of areas, which means they take longer to clean than other types of homes–which might be difficult if you live alone or only have one person helping out with chores!

Limited options for entertainment and dining: If your farmhouse doesn’t come with its own restaurant attached (and even then), it may be difficult for you to find good places nearby where friends could meet up over dinner or drinks after work.

What Style is a Modern Farmhouse?

The style of a modern farmhouse is a combination of traditional farmhouse elements and modern design influences.

It can be categorized as a fusion of rustic and contemporary styles, resulting in a unique aesthetic that blends the charm of a classic farmhouse with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.

Is it Good to Buy a Farmhouse?

Nowadays, many people are choosing farmhouses to host weddings, parties, and other events. So that means owning a farmhouse means additional income. Having said that, purchasing a farmhouse may be a sensible investment, but you must also consider the other side of the equation.

Can we Live in a Farmhouse?

For many people, living in a farmhouse is an appropriate alternative. The decision to live in a farmhouse depends on personal preferences and lifestyle goals. And before making a final decision, it is critical to examine the pros and cons listed above.

The Bottom Line

We’ve covered the pros and cons of a farmhouse-style home. If you’re still not sure if it’s the appropriate style for you, there are plenty of different options. Remember, if you have your heart set on a farmhouse-style home, don’t let anything stand in your way!