When transforming your property into a 1920s/1930s vintage estate, the first step is to immerse yourself in the architectural and lifestyle trends of the time.
The Roaring Twenties and the early 1930s were periods of opulence, glamor, and sophistication, reflected in both grand urban mansions and sprawling country estates.
Begin by imagining your property as it would have existed in the golden age—an estate where elegance, luxury, and nature harmoniously blend.
To capture this era, your estate should be designed with sprawling lawns, lush gardens, and an inviting, stately house that serves as the centerpiece. Take inspiration from the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles that defined the architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.
Think of geometric shapes, bold lines, and rich materials like marble and polished wood. Consider drawing inspiration from notable estates of the time, such as The Breakers in Palm Beach or the Oheka Castle in New York, which represented grandeur and architectural splendor.
Restoring the Elegance of 1920s Mansions and 1930s Country Homes
Restoring the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s means focusing on both the structure and the details.
Large windows, high ceilings, and wide hallways were staples of homes from this era.
If your property already has a historical home, restoring it with period-appropriate touches, such as decorative moldings, grand staircases, and intricate tilework, will bring its former glory back to life. If you’re starting from scratch, focus on building a house that reflects the design sensibilities of the time — imposing yet refined, with a blend of modernity and classic style.
Inside, you’ll want to curate spaces that capture the lavish interiors of the 1920s, such as luxurious drawing rooms, art-filled parlors, and formal dining rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers. Fabrics like velvet and silk, paired with dark wood furniture and gold accents, will evoke the opulence of the era.
Don’t forget to add a grand library or study, where vintage bookshelves and leather-bound volumes can transport you back to the past.
Landscaping Ideas to Reflect the Grandeur of the Past
The outdoor spaces on your estate are just as important as the house itself. To truly reflect the grandeur of the 1920s and 1930s, consider creating sprawling gardens, manicured lawns, and pathways that wind through your property.
Classical European gardens, which were often used as inspiration in this era, feature symmetrical designs, fountains, topiaries, and pergolas.
Add in the vintage elements such as a wrought-iron gazebo, stone fountains, and formal rose gardens that evoke the glamor of a bygone era.
Large estates of the time often had specific areas for leisure, so think about creating outdoor spaces for entertaining, such as a grand terrace or an al fresco dining area shaded by pergolas and trellises draped with vines.
For a rustic touch, add an orchard or vegetable garden, which was common on country estates in the 1930s.
Bringing Horses Back: Equestrian Elegance on a Vintage Estate
One of the most iconic elements of a 1920s or 1930s estate is the presence of horses, symbolizing both leisure and luxury. In the 1920s and 1930s, horses were rapidly being replaced by cars, but the transition wasn’t immediate or uniform across all regions.
So to truly embrace the lifestyle of that era, equestrian facilities on your property is a must.
Horses were not only a form of transportation but also a sign of prestige, and bringing this tradition back can add a sense of timeless elegance to your estate.
Start by constructing a classic horse stable with vintage design elements. Opt for traditional wooden beams, wrought iron details, and stone accents to evoke the rustic yet refined look of an early 20th-century stable.
Features like wide barn doors, cupolas, and vintage-style tack rooms will bring back the time. The stable can even become a stunning focal point of your estate, blending practicality with its aesthetic appeal.
Aside from necessary adjustments for owning horses, you can add a horse riding arena or paddocks for your horses to roam.
Long, scenic trails through your property will not only provide riding paths but also elevate the grandeur of your estate, evoking a sense of country life from the 1920s and 1930s.
For guests and visitors, hosting horse-drawn carriage rides can add to the charm and experience of stepping into a different era.
Reclaimed Wood, Stone, and Antique 20s and 30s Fixtures
Echo the craftsmanship of the time to bring in a sense of history and character to your property.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by sourcing reclaimed wood for floors, beams, and doors. Weathered, old-growth wood not only adds warmth and charm but also provides the durability and sturdiness that homes from the golden age were known for.
Then use stone to construct key features like fireplaces, walls, and pathways. Vintage stone with irregular textures and natural hues was a hallmark of estate homes during this period.
Whether used for a grand fireplace in the living room or a stone archway leading to the garden, these materials evoke timelessness and rustic elegance.
To further enhance the vintage feel, bring in some antique fixtures. Search for period-appropriate lighting, such as Art Deco chandeliers, wrought iron sconces, or vintage brass fixtures, which will add to the opulent yet nostalgic atmosphere.
For the finer details, look for antique doorknobs, faucets, and cabinet hardware, which can be found in vintage shops or architectural salvage yards. These small touches can make a huge difference in recreating the historical feel of your estate while ensuring the integrity of the design.
Preserving History While Adding Modern Comforts
For those fortunate enough to have both cash and great land, creating a 1920s or 1930s-inspired estate is not only a journey into the past but also a unique way to blend vintage charm with today’s conveniences. By drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the era your property can become a true homage to the golden age.
At the same time, modern comforts don’t have to be sacrificed. From hidden technologies integrated seamlessly into vintage designs to sustainable upgrades that enhance the living experience, your estate can offer the best of both worlds. In the end, you’ll have created a timeless estate that speaks to both your appreciation for the past and your vision for the future.