Norman architecture displays the basic building skills available at the time when few resources were available other than stone, a chisel and hard labour.

Cumberland Castle incorporates simple details with its strong vertical lines, 'leaded' arched windows, imposing stonework and heavy wooden doors.

The Cotswold style house is easily recognisable from its steep pitched roof, symetrically balanced design with evenly spaced windows, and large window sills with detailed surrounds of stone.

Dating from the 17th century, the vernacular construction method uses local materials - the characteristically yellow Cotswold stone - and knowledge passed down through generations to create an unrefined, yet aesthetically pleasing design.

The Georgian era spans the 18th century encompassing several design periods including Rococo, Neo-Classical, Palladian, Regency and Empire. Typical in all of these styles were the strong Georgian themes of symmetry and 'order', which directed the proportions of windows and doors for a stately look, as seen on all of our Georgian style dolls' houses.

The classical architecture of Greece and Rome was a strong influence, which wealthy land owners mimicked in their country homes and follies. Italian architect Andreas Palladio, from when the term Palladian emanates, is famous for grand proportions, characterised by ionic columns and sophisticated stonework as seen on Grosvenor Hall.

The Victorian period was a very exciting time with new railways, mass-manufacturing and better working hours, all contributing to creating a better standard of living for the poorer classes. It's no wonder people of all ages enjoy researching and collecting from this period which brought colour and decoration to the masses.

The industrial revolution, helped along by Prince Albert's Great Exhibition of 1851, brought many innovations in architecture allowing more intricate building methods and a revival of ornate detail.

Early- and Mid-Victorian styles included Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne and Romanesque, which popularised elaborate details in reaction to the simple order of the previous century. Of course, by the latter part of the 19th century, simpler vernacular models were favoured again paving the way for the Arts & Crafts movement.

The Lutyens Dolls' House is a beautiful example of Arts & Crafts architecture as characterised by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the late 19th century. Bringing together the best of the skills and materials developed during the Victorian era, the designers in the Arts & Crafts period incorporated rich colours and textures together with a sense of fun into their homes.

Goddards in Surrey, the inspiration for the Lutyens dolls' house, has a large dining hall for entertaining and an indoor bowling alley!

Since the beginning of the 20th century, architecture and design has been some what simpler with more emphasis on living space and family life. The demise of house staff due to more people being able to work in industry, and the increased wealth of lower class families led to the design of many smaller detached and semi-detached homes.

Influences include the Art Nouveaux and Art Deco movements, with an emphasis on looking to future ideals and developing new technologies for mass-produced houses. Mountfield makes an ideal mid-century home, with its 1930s style porch, bay windows and side access.

By the end of the Second World War in 1945 it was necessary to rebuild the country after extensive bombing and provide homes for the returning servicemen. With modern building materials and heavy-duty plant, homes became more affordable, if a little more modest in size and level of finish.

Practical homes for working parents with families spawned the countryside outside major towns and cities.

With the demise of manufacturing in the UK, the docks and their attendant warehouses became redundant and unloved.
In the late 1960s, the dire economic situation in the docklands area of Tower Hamlets in London was recognised and a regeneration programme began.

Now it houses some of the most prestigious buildings in London, including Canary Wharf, and is central to the 2012 Olympic Games. Consequently, the neglected warehouses have become desirable living spaces.

The popular interest generated by the building magazines and television programmes in the 1990s and early in the "noughties", together with the availability and desirable locations of farm buildings, saw a huge increase in the conversion of barns into unique homes.

Planning authorities were also more encouraging towards new modern houses where the quality enhanced the surroundings, and an increase in the number of people wanting to be more involved in the design of their own environment ensued.

The influence of the media and foreign holidays fires the imagination and we dream of holiday homes abroad, where the sun always shines and indoor/outdoor living merge.
Low-maintenance, openplan residences in warm climates where you can throw open the doors, dive into the pool and dine al fresco appeal to all age groups.