When a person decides to buy a house outside the city, he may be faced with the problem of choosing a specific type of property. After all country house– this is no longer just a wooden building. Currently exists huge selection types of country real estate, which differ not only in the level of comfort, location, but also in the price range.
Moreover, any house outside the city has its own adjacent plot, on which there may be additional buildings, for example, a bathhouse, sauna, garage, attic, etc., and what makes life more comfortable - electricity, water supply, septic tank or sewerage Therefore, in order not to get confused in the final choice of a country house, you should first understand what types currently exist and how they differ from each other.
Country houses
The simplest and most common type of country house in our time is the dacha, or, as it is popularly called, “hacienda”. As a rule, country houses more often found in garden or friendly cooperatives. The cost of such houses is relatively low, and it is more advisable to live in such a house only in the summer season. In such houses, there may be no comfortable living conditions (there is no bathroom, the toilet is built on the street), and therefore it is most suitable for people who like to spend the summer outdoors, gardening. Dachas are built on relatively small plots from simple and cheap building materials.
Cottages
Modern cottages with comfortable conditions and an adjacent plot of land are considered suitable for permanent residence. These are not very huge country houses, which have one or two floors. It has a living room, a kitchen, several bedrooms, a possible dining room, amenities (bathroom and toilet), several utility rooms. The cottage also has a garage (possibly several), a terrace and other comfortable attributes for living. The construction of modern cottages is made from different and far from the cheapest building materials. This type of country house is easily suitable for families for permanent residence. Basically, the total area of such houses is at least 15-200 sq./m. Cottages are being built in special zones - cottage villages in ecologically clean areas.
Mansion
After the cottage in terms of prestige comes the mansion. This is a more expensive option for a country house, since it is a very comfortable house with the latest amenities modern trends plot. Basically, mansions have several levels, and their construction is carried out according to personal projects. Residential and utility rooms here are an order of magnitude larger in area than in other country houses. The mansion has several bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, a living room, personal account, billiard room, training room, several game rooms, a couple of dressing rooms, etc. Each individual room has its own personal bathroom. There is a basement under the house, several garages, and on the territory of the mansion there can be an attic, a veranda, a bathhouse, a special house for guests and staff, etc. In general, a mansion is a very expensive pleasure, which not every average Russian can afford.
Villa
Another expensive type country houses called a villa. This is an elite property that is a stunning country residence with all the conditions for cozy, comfortable and, if necessary, permanent residence. As a rule, villas are located near the seashore, and therefore the architecture of such houses is made in a seaside manner characteristic of a particular region. The villa can be decorated with large columns, rotundas and frescoes, and the house itself can be built from very expensive building materials. Basically, only wealthy people can afford a villa. Moreover, this type of country house is usually used for seasonal rather than permanent residence.
Ecohouse
A relatively innovative type of country house that has become popular in recent decades is eco-houses. Such buildings are erected in environmentally friendly areas using only environmentally friendly building materials. Eco-houses are built according to special building standards, and therefore such houses always have sound insulation, thermal insulation, and also comply with all fire and sanitary standards. The most important thing that distinguishes an eco-house from other suburban types of real estate is safety, reliability and environmental components. As a rule, all kinds of technical devices are used here, the action of which is based on the use of solar energy, recycling of household waste and other similar natural resources. Such buildings are perfect for permanent residence of those people for whom a healthy lifestyle is a priority.
Residence
The residence is rightfully the most elite type of country real estate, since it is intended for the residence of very wealthy people and is a whole complex consisting of many residential and utility premises of a huge area. The territory of the site on which the residence is located can reach tens of hectares or more. There are tennis courts, parks, parking, swimming pools, entertainment complexes, stables, etc. In general, this is truly a whole complex of real estate, which has a huge price.
Townhouses, cottages, maisonettes, estates, villas, residences - what are they? What's the difference?
- We'll tell you.
Types of individual residential buildings
Country houses are the most various types- from budget cottages and townhouses to mansions and residences. To understand the difference between this or that type of structure, let’s take a closer look at each of the designations.
Some of them talk about the real estate format, some about .
Cottage
Cottage is an individual city or country house for year-round residence, which is part of an urban area with private buildings or a cottage community.
Like most private houses, the cottage is located on a fairly large plot of land, which can be used for gardening and gardening work, as a place to relax and to accommodate other buildings: a garage, a bathhouse, a gazebo, a utility room, etc.
All communications of the cottage are included in the general communication system, which is maintained management company. Therefore, despite the apparent isolation and the presence of its own plot of land, the cottage is not a completely autonomous building.
Villa
In the classical sense, a villa is a house with elements of Mediterranean architecture. But national and climatic features gave rise to other branches. So, today you can see villas in Scandinavian, high-tech, and other modern styles.
The villa can be built both within the city and outside it.
The modern villa is characterized by a high degree of autonomy due to the use alternative sources energy, automation and saturation of engineering systems and equipment.
The average size of such houses ranges from 100 to 300 square meters. Most often they are built on one and a half or two floors.
Private home ownership with all amenities for one family. It is located separately from other buildings. The living quarters in the mansion are spacious and can greatly exceed the required standards.
The list and variety of premises depends on the interests of the owners of the mansion, their imagination and financial capabilities. 
Mansions are built according to an individual project, usually two or three floors.
The adjacent area is used solely at the discretion of the owners.
The main difference between a mansion and a cottage is that it can be completely autonomous.
Country mansion with adjacent land in pre-revolutionary Russia was called an estate.
Today, an estate means a fairly large plot of land with a “master’s” house, a garage, a place to relax and various outbuildings. 
If earlier estates often had a “classical appearance,” today, the facade and interior decoration of the “family nest” can be made in almost any architectural style. Modern high-tech - the choice is almost unlimited and is determined only by the owners’ idea of the family home.
Often the estate is located on its own, not being part of any village.
In tribute to tradition, a picturesque place is chosen for the construction of the estate.
If previously a residence was a place where high-ranking officials lived, today this term refers to exclusive, high-status real estate with numerous amenities and a favorable location. 
This format of real estate is characterized by a large area of both the house itself and the plot of land (from ~100 acres to several hectares). In addition to housing, such an area can accommodate many expensive buildings: a swimming pool, a mini golf course, tennis court, garage for several cars, etc.
Townhouse, villata, britishhouse
Townhouse is a complex low-rise buildings(2-3 floors), combined with each other through common walls. It is divided into several sections, each of which belongs to one family, has a separate entrance and a small plot of land (up to 7 acres). 
Viletta is a kind of “Italian townhouse” with columns, light stone trim, etc. It differs from an ordinary townhouse in its Mediterranean architecture and slightly larger living space. 
Britishhouses are townhouses made in english style and united by a common architectural concept. 
Lanehouse is a format of semi-detached houses; they differ from townhouses in their more striking architecture. And if the sections of townhouses are the same, then in lanehouses each section has an individual architectural solution. This is a kind of escape from the monotony of repeatedly repeated sections. 
As a rule, in lanehouses the total area of the house and land plot is slightly larger than that of townhouses, and they are positioned as business-class housing.
Duplex (twinhouse)
This type of housing came to us from England.
A duplex or, as it is also called, a twinhouse is a house divided into two equal parts, having a separate entrance and two plots of land measuring 6-10 acres. 
Duplexes are quite diverse and very convenient for several generations of the same family. It is worth noting that it provides almost the same level of privacy and comfort as a cottage, but at the same time costs less.
Houses for four families. Each of them has its own entrance, directed towards its own side of the world. Of course, each section comes with a plot. 
The advantages of a quad house over “linear” townhouses are greater privacy. The construction of a four-section house is not more expensive than construction a classic townhouse, but at the same time the level of privacy in a quadhouse is higher.
If you open a dictionary of architectural terms, you will read the following definition: “Maisonette is a house with apartments, the premises of which are located on two or three levels.” Simply put, a maisonette is a two- or three-story house designed for several families, with apartments of different sizes, usually with a small plot of common land. 
Do not forget that the concept of maisonette is a purely European term, and Russian market real estate it appeared relatively recently. A maisonette is convenient because you can live with your relatives without feeling that your territory is being encroached upon. In the maisonette, in addition to a separate entrance, autonomous system heating, water supply and electricity supply.
Ecohouse
An eco-house is an energy-efficient house with low energy consumption. Ideally, such a house should be completely autonomous. In turn, autonomy is partially or fully ensured through alternative energy sources.
In construction, as well as in external and interior decoration In such houses, as a rule, only natural materials are used.
When talking about housing, most people will answer that they would like to have their own private house. There will be as many types of buildings as there are opinions. When it comes to developing a personal territory, you need to figure out what kind of building the future owner wants to have. There are various types country houses and cottages, which differ from each other in a number of parameters.
When planning to build a long-awaited house on a site, you need to take into account a colossal number of nuances and factors. Most questions arise during the course of work, but, first of all, it is important to understand what kind of house you want.
Initially, the type of house is determined, first of all, by the material from which it will be built. However, this is not the only criterion. Typical projects are also divided by number of floors:
Single storey;
Multi-storey: two-storey or more, top floor usually attic.
To understand which house is best suited for you, let’s consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of both buildings:
Single-story.
- Simpler plan and construction
- Economical operation
- Convenient for the elderly and disabled, because... don't have stairs
- Large building area required
- Violation of the relationship between rooms
Two or more storeys:
- Great option for large families
- Possibility of zoning rooms
- Savings on space heating
- Doesn't require a large area
- Project complexity
- Additional structural strengthening
- Presence of stairs not suitable for elderly people
Brick cottages: main features
Brick is one of the very first building materials. It is not without reason that it is still used everywhere. Brick cottages will last for decades. It will keep you warm in winter frosts and provide coolness in hot summers.
Currently, so-called “efficient bricks” are widely used in construction. Its void ratio is 1.5 times higher than conventional ones. This directly affects thermal insulation.
Our region is characterized by distinct seasonality, so the walls will have to withstand prolonged rains, severe frosts and real heat. Brick ideally copes with temperature changes and large amounts of precipitation. The main requirement is the strength of the foundation, because buildings made from it are much heavier than foam concrete and wooden ones.
Main advantages:
Durability: service life is more than 50 years;
Structural strength: due to the small size of the constituent elements;
Environmental friendliness: ensured through the use of natural raw materials in production;
Fire safety: does not ignite and can withstand high temperatures.
High thermal insulation performance: retains heat well. It is not cold in winter and not hot in summer.
The only disadvantage of the building material is its fragility - it does not withstand environmental influences well, so it needs cladding.
Cottages made of aerated concrete: what should be taken into account during construction?
Nowadays, developers are very attracted to aerated concrete blocks for construction. Mainly, it is popular due to its light weight and overall dimensions, which simplify installation.
Cottages made of aerated concrete are erected in a fairly short time. When designing a foundation, it is necessary to take into account that the material is not highly resistant to deforming loads and bending. Therefore, the base must be reinforced, have jumpers and correct connections in case of soil shrinkage.
The advantages of aerated concrete are due to the raw materials from which it is made:
Thermal insulation: ensured by evenly distributed pores;
Costs: the thickness of the wall is much less than that of a brick wall, so much fewer blocks are needed;
Low cost: one of the cheapest building materials;
Vapor permeability: the porosity of the blocks allows steam to escape from the house during the heating season;
Quick drying: thanks to cellularity;
Health safety: does not contain harmful substances, which negatively affect the condition of the body.
Disadvantages include brittleness caused by low density and moisture absorption (the flip side of moisture permeability).
Cottages made of timber: advantages and design features
Nowadays, one of the indicators of maximum environmental friendliness is cottages made of timber. It's not just attractive appearance, but also safety for health.
Collect wooden house can be quite fast. But, due to the natural nature of the material, it may be susceptible to negative effects from fungi and insects that destroy wood. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of its thorough treatment with special antiseptics, fungicides and insecticidal agents.
The advantages of houses made of timber are due to the unique properties of wood:
Pleasant, aesthetic appearance: it is wood that fits into the human worldview as true natural beauty;
Low cost: although wood is not cheap, thanks to its features, you don’t have to make thick walls, which reduces costs;
High thermal insulation: well levels out temperature changes in any season. This also allows you to spend less on heating.
Disadvantages include high moisture permeability and vulnerability to pests, which can be avoided through special impregnations. One of the biggest disadvantages is the high flammability, so you should take care of fire safety.
If you don’t know which house to choose, today they are also building combined cottages, which you can order from M2corp at an affordable price. Experienced specialists will help you select materials, design and quickly build reliable, high-quality and durable housing for your entire family!
At first glance, the country houses that have grown up over the past decade in the Russian expanses do not fit into any table of ranks. If we can talk about any classification, we need to take into account the material of the walls, area, number of floors and other characteristics.
Project F-0246-0
In the first half of the 1990s. the structure of cottage development was dominated by houses made mainly in palace, medieval castle and modern Northern European (again with the prefix “pseudo”) styles. Nowadays, the fashion for ridiculous “palaces” and “castles” is a thing of the past, and today we can already talk about purity and variety of styles, and buyers are more and more interested in these issues when choosing cottages. And this cannot but rejoice. Architects, of course, carry out a certain educational mission, explaining to clients that a house designed in a more or less uniform style is much more harmonious than some kind of “confusion instead of music” with turrets, pilasters and weather vanes sticking out in all directions. But specialized media should not stand aside either.
Many analysts express the opinion that we live in an era without style, and today's architecture is mainly a mixture of styles - eclecticism. But even the most eclectic houses cannot abandon elements of one or another architectural tradition, which means that they can and should still be classified in order to provide guidance to buyers.
Starting point
Classification of cottages according to website version
By architectural style:
Houses with classic elements
Houses with avant-garde elements
Houses with modern elements
Finnish style houses
By function, purpose:
Houses for seasonal living
Holiday homes
Houses for permanent residence
Home-office
With this publication, the site does not seek to exhaust all the problems of stylistic trends in modern cottage construction. To begin with, we decided to propose a classification into only two categories: stylistic features of architecture and functional purpose. At first glance, this “dualistic” approach may seem strange. Indeed, why not choose, for example, only architectural styles, and divide houses according to functional criteria within each style? But in reality, this option will be even more confusing. The fact is that if the buyer of the project is aimed at choosing a cottage of a certain functional category, for example, a house for seasonal living, the issue of architectural style will concern him secondarily. With no less probability, the opposite option is also possible, so placing one classification “within” another is a mistake.
By the way, US realtors specializing in the sale of houses often mix the functional and stylistic characteristics of projects within the framework of a general classification. For example, in the “table of ranks” of houses on the popular site e-plans.com, you can simultaneously find both a Ranch House (ranch-style house) or Colonial House (colonial-style house), and Vacation Home (a house for seasonal living, “ for vacation") and also Small House (here - an “economical” version of the house). We also decided not to reinvent the wheel, proposing a similar classification, but adjusted for Russian realities.
There is one more necessary note regarding sampling limitations. The analytics of Russian real estate companies already share the demand, for example, for “American-Canadian” cottages or houses in the “Scandinavian” style. But these and similar examples remained outside the scope of our sample. This classification considers exclusively the market of ready-made country house projects. While we are not talking about style individual projects that end up on the secondary market, nor about the architecture of cottage villages made in the same style. To analyze all market segments, a different, more expanded classification is required.
Stripped-down classics
Project J-0568-0
The current cottage “classic” is very different from the style that was invented by the Greeks and Romans, and then elevated to absolute by the Italians of the Renaissance. It also differs from “Russian classicism,” which is characterized by a wide scope of spatial compositions and the solemn pomp of artistic images that reflected the patriotic ideas of its time. And in general about the term “classicism” as applied to standard projects it’s better to forget, limiting yourself to much more general concept"classic". If we consider projects with classical elements, it is worth highlighting the style of houses in which an axis of symmetry can be traced and visible clear lines building the form. Such a seemingly obligatory decorative element as columns, molded cornices and other decorations can easily be absent in a modern “classical” house. The main thing that remains from the past is the severity of forms.
The representative classic mansion shown on plan J-0568-0 can become a comfortable home for a family with a high level of income. The symmetrical composition of the plan and the style of the facades are associated with palace buildings. The authors of the project created a structure that fully corresponds to a representative, ceremonial residential residence, and organically fit into the strict plan of the house all the functional blocks of premises necessary for this. The magnificent oval fireplace room with a staircase located in a double-height space continues with a semi-circular terrace. Another example of a house with classic elements is F-0246-0. Simplicity architectural solution facades and comfortable layout will interest those who want to acquire a solid country house.
At the forefront of events
At one time, avant-garde artists sought to break with classical architecture, to create something contrary to established norms of artistic taste and aesthetic concepts. Over the years, the finds of avant-garde architects have been embodied in completely conformist ones, where the flight of imagination of architects, to the happiness of homeowners, not only does not contradict good taste, but also meets very specific functional tasks.
One of the most striking examples - the J-0669-1 project is an excellent example of a competent, high-quality avant-garde approach to architecture modern house: with a logical, rational layout, a most interesting solution to the overall volume, the plasticity of the facades, the shape of the openings, a completely unconventional roofing solution, etc.
Despite the non-standard design of the facades and volume of another avant-garde project J-0904-0, it is comfortable for living and has a traditional composition of premises.
Non-standard solution for the facades and volume of the house. Project J-0904-0
All its floors are connected by a two-flight staircase leading from the ground floor to the roof. The circular volume also sets the unusual shape of the premises. At the same time, they are all comfortable, have convenient communication with each other and good natural lighting. Most of the ground floor is occupied by a relaxation area with a gym, sauna and swimming pool. The first floor is the guest area of the house, the second is private with three spacious, comfortable bedrooms. The project proposes installing a winter garden on the roof of the garage under a transparent pyramidal roof.
Modern for all times
House with modern elements.
Project F-0839-0
Representatives of the Art Nouveau style, which arose in the 1890s, rejecting the importance of tradition and based on the freedom of shape that metal structures opened up, focused attention on the problems of form, which sometimes acquired a figurative character. One of the most famous Russian architects Fyodor Lidval since the early 1900s. chose a version of this style close to the Northern European one. And today among project buyers there are many fans of houses with modern elements.
Compact, economical, rational, and finally, simply beautiful - all these definitions can rightfully be attributed to the F-0839-0 house, the style of which is clearly inspired by the Art Nouveau era. Elegantly decorated facades with multifaceted bay windows and unusually shaped windows create a memorable image of this house, which is always popular.
Expressive appearance, rational layout.
Project F-0896-0
In the F-0896-0 project, an expressive, memorable appearance, designed with the use of modern elements, is successfully combined with a rational layout and economical constructive solution. Confirmation of adherence to the style is the arched shape of the roof, the pattern of openings, a transparent glass curved canopy, the possibility of using wall tiles and other “signs” of Art Nouveau. The house has two floors, one of which is an attic, there is no basement, aerated concrete is used in the construction of the external walls, and the foundation is monolithic. All these are components of an economical, prefabricated building. In terms of volumetric planning, the house consists of two interconnected buildings: a living room and an attached garage.
Minimalism in Finnish
An extremely economical and compact house in the “Finnish” style. Project A-0514-0
Why, out of all the national architectural stylistic features, did we settle on only “Finnish” ones? The point is, for everything North-West region In the Russian Federation, the concept of “Finnish house” is associated primarily with settlements on the territory of our closest northern neighbors, where the dictates of functionality literally nullify the individuality of this or that architect.
Take, for example, project A-0514-0. It is immediately clear that here the architect, wanting to minimize the costs of the potential customer, has, as they say, stepped on the throat of his own song. An extremely economical and compact country house is proposed to be made in materials that are most affordable to developers with average incomes. The internal organization of the house is rational and extremely simple: a covered terrace and a spacious veranda with a bathroom and a storage room - entrance area Houses; large living room, kitchen and one living room - premises day stay family.
Without a shadow of a doubt, project C-0859-0 can be classified into the last stylistic category - the clearest example of economical construction. Perhaps, in all the parameters that make up this indicator - rational planning, laconic facades, simple roof profile, absence of a recessed basement, speed of construction, cost-effective operation - the house can be considered a leader. We get inside through a small hallway into which the living room, kitchen, bathroom and small storage room open. From the living room you can access two living rooms on the first floor. A narrow one-flight staircase from the hallway of the first floor leads to the attic. There are three bedrooms, a spacious bathroom and a storage room.
"A week before the second"
Holiday home. Project E-0818-0
The division between holiday homes and houses for seasonal residence did not appear by chance. The fact is that a holiday home can be quite capital: you can spend the whole summer in it, or you can New Year celebrate with friends. Hence the corresponding requirements for insulation, heating, etc. And the project of a seasonal house can often be called a “cottage light” - a lightweight version of a traditional country house, in most cases designed for the summer.
An example of a holiday home is project E-0818-0. Externally, a traditionally designed house made of timber nevertheless has an original, modern layout. The house can be used as a vacation spot for employees of a small successful company. The composition of the premises and the layout contribute to this in the best possible way: a significant part of the area is occupied by a relaxation area with a sauna and a swimming pool.
Another small country house for a family holiday, B-0705-0, will fit perfectly into the natural environment, especially on the banks of a lake or river. The highlight of the house is the large open terrace, around which the rooms of the first floor are grouped. On warm summer evenings, it can easily serve as a dining room or living room, and if desired, it can be glazed and insulated, thus turning it into a veranda. The second floor is the sleeping area of the house.
House for seasonal living. Project E-0946-0
The category of houses for seasonal living includes, for example, the project of a compact log cottage E-0946-0 for a small family. Both the internal layout and the volume of the house are designed very concisely and rationally. If the construction of a house is planned in a cold climate zone, it is advisable to turn a small hallway into an insulated vestibule, separating it from the living room with a warm partition with a door. The living room and dining room form a single space from which you can access all areas of the house. The gallery offers a view of the second light of the living room, and from it you can go out onto the balcony. Another example is C-0942-0. A very small, traditionally designed house for an outdoor holiday. Just one floor and an attic, the absence of a recessed basement, and a simple roof profile make this house economical and affordable for a family with a low income.
Business in nature
Respectable mansion-office. Project J-0900-0
The respectable mansion presented in project J-0900-0 is a typical example for our “house-office” category. This is a home for business people who want not only to live comfortably and relax in style, but also to receive numerous guests and business partners. Large, comfortable relaxation block in ground floor- a clear confirmation of this. As well as the huge living-kitchen-dining space on the ground floor. The guest room, located here, can serve as a place for business meetings and conferences, and a small office is quite suitable for private conversations. The second floor is designed in an unconventional way for the private area of the house. In addition to bedrooms and bathrooms, there is a kitchen-dining room.
Project J-0959-0 also falls into this category: a luxurious mansion with representative facades, an elegant layout, spacious and comfortable. Here you can play sports, receive numerous guests, hold business meetings, and relax. From the pool area you can easily access the billiard room and gym. In the office adjacent to the living room, it is convenient to retire with business partners for business negotiations.
Two in one
Unpretentious appearance and expressive layout.
Project F-0938-0
And finally, the last category is country houses for permanent residence. This may include both economic class projects (a retired family sold an apartment in the city and moved to nature) and fairly capital-intensive luxury projects (a businessman bought a cottage for the family, comparable in cost to his apartment in the historical center of the capital). Let's start with economy class. The apparent simplicity and simplicity of the external appearance of the F-0938-0 project is more than compensated by the expressive internal layout. The dominant feature of this layout is a spacious double-height living room with a fireplace, an open two-flight staircase and large glazed stained glass windows. These stained glass windows offer magnificent views of the surrounding natural landscape. The external space seems to flow inside the house and fill its interiors with air, sunlight, pine aroma.
And an example of a home for permanent residence, not so much with increased comfort, but with VIP comfort, is a luxurious palace - project J-0587-0. In the design of the facades there are many elements corresponding to a prestigious home - a residence, a family mansion.
A house for permanent residence of increased comfort.
Project J-0587-0
On the ground floor there are technical premises, a sauna block with a swimming pool and a gym, there is also a garage for two cars. The first floor is designed on a grand scale and is designed to receive guests: spacious halls at the entrance, living room, kitchen-dining room. The winter garden is magnificent and can be accessed from the living room and dining room. The two upper levels of the house are dedicated to a recreation area. In the attic, in addition to bedrooms, an office and a bathroom with a toilet, there are storage rooms and free attic space, which would not be out of place in such a luxurious mansion.
Finally, it is necessary to make an explanation, without which this publication loses all meaning. The reader may have a question: “Why is this classification needed at all, since a project can be selected without any connection to functionality and style?” Actually not quite like that. Only by deciding on the elements of a particular architectural style will you be able to understand which house in your opinion is “beautiful”. Only after deciding on the functional purpose of the project, you will be able to understand what kind of house in your understanding is “comfortable”. And everything else, as they say, is a compromise.