In the mid-20th century, the concept of the “Bachelor’s Country House” epitomized a lifestyle of refined leisure and understated luxury. These residences served as weekend retreats for affluent men, offering a sanctuary from the demands of urban life. A notable example is featured in a 1956 edition of The Gentry Magazine, which provides an insightful look into such a home.
The Gentry Magazine: A Window into Upper-Class Living
The Gentry Magazine was a monthly publication that ran from 1951 to 1957, catering to the upper-class gentleman. Priced at $2 per issue—a premium at the time—it offered in-depth articles on art, culture, fashion, automobiles, and more.
The magazine’s content was meticulously curated to reflect and influence the tastes of its sophisticated readership.
Particularly interesting are the articles in which we are taken on a home visit to one of the gentlemen of the time. One such feature is in one of the 1956 spring editions, which visits an anonymous gentleman at his Bachelor’s Country House in the English countryside – a 16th-century ‘Elizabethan’ style cottage that the man in question used as a weekend retreat.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
“Life in an English bachelor’s country house has little that is formal. There is no fixed schedule of events or program for what one does during the day. An atmosphere of tranquility and do-as-you-like always prevails, and the same applies to the clothes, which generally consist of tweed jackets and flannels or plus-fours for day wear, with an ordinary dinner suit, soft silk or cotton shirt with collar attached and black tie for the evening. Many men wear colored smoking suits made from cashmere, vicuna, or other soft-hand cloths, in navy, saxe blue, wine, or dark green; one sees also brown or tan… For week-ends, guests generally arrive on Friday for dinner, and leave on Sunday after dinner, as men like to get to their offices early on Monday. The country house that is illustrated is owned by a bachelor; the staff consists of a butler, footman, housemaid, and cook. He is lucky inasmuch as he has old-fashioned servants who have been with him for many years, but there is a saying in England that bachelors run the best houses and have no trouble in getting servants.“
Architecture and Interior Design
The house is characterized by its stone walls, thatched roof, and ivy-clad exterior, embodying the charm of traditional English cottages. Inside, the residence features a library, drawing room, and dining room, each furnished with period-appropriate decor that reflects the owner’s refined taste.
Daily Life and Etiquette
Life within the bachelor’s country house was marked by a relaxed atmosphere, free from the formalities of daily life. The daily routine was unstructured, allowing for leisure activities such as reading, walking, or engaging in hobbies.
Attire was casual yet elegant, with men often wearing tweed jackets and flannels during the day, and dinner suits with black ties in the evening.
Staff and Service
The household was maintained by a dedicated staff, including a butler, footman, housemaid, and cook. These long-serving employees were integral to the smooth operation of the estate, ensuring that the bachelor’s country house functioned seamlessly.
The Decline of the Traditional Country House
By the mid-20th century, the traditional country house was facing challenges. Economic pressures, changing social dynamics, and the aftermath of World War II led to the decline of many such estates.
The 1975 exhibition “The Destruction of the Country House” highlighted the scale of these losses, showcasing how centuries of architectural heritage were being lost during the 20th century.
Legacy and Modern Interpretations
Despite the decline, the concept of the bachelor’s country house continues to influence modern architecture and design. Contemporary homes often draw inspiration from the elegance and simplicity of these mid-20th-century retreats, blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
For instance, the 2024 RIBA House of the Year award was given to “Six Columns,” a family home in South London that incorporates 1950s-inspired design elements. The house features exposed materials and a flexible layout, reflecting a modern interpretation of mid-century aesthetics.
Conclusion
The bachelor’s country house of the mid-20th century represents a unique chapter in architectural and social history. Through publications like The Gentry Magazine, we gain valuable insights into the lifestyles and design philosophies of the era.
While many of these estates have been lost, their influence persists, inspiring contemporary designs that honor their legacy.
