Whether you’re building a house or renovating an old one, you can save money and get the look you want by choosing a timber-frame home. There are many different styles to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find a design that meets your needs.
Colombage Pierrot
Using a timber frame to construct a house is a bit of a no-brainer. Many towns and cities have a few half-timbered buildings to boast of. While the city of Luxembourg has a few flimsy structures, they’re not the only ones in the country. The most notable one in the town of Schorndorf is home to the illustrious Gottlieb Daimler.
The best part is that many of these old-timey buildings are still standing today, and a few are open to the public. A quick web search will yield scores of half-timbered houses in all shapes and sizes. A more exhaustive search of the same domain will turn up a surprising number of stout buildings whose foundations are more like bricks than timber. The best places to look are the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Liege, Schorndorf, and Goslar. A few of these towns could withstand the ravages of the Second World War, owing to a clever combination of architecture, construction technology, and government policies. The modern-day equivalent of the old half-timbered buildings is found in areas such as the Barbagia and Iglesiente mining regions of northern Italy. The French also have a few examples in their backyard. There are even several open-air museums showcasing a few of these architectural marvels. Finally, there are a few other towns in the broom trough that could stand to take a page from these pioneers of the timber framing empire.
Ochsenfurt
Located on the southern shore of the river Main in southwestern Germany, Ochsenfurt is a little over halfway between Munich and Frankfurt. Its name comes from the local ford, where oxen would cross the river. However, its most apparent claim to fame is its sexiest landmark, the town hall, a nifty wooden spire which is the stuff of dreams.
Considering that it has a population of over 50,000, it is no surprise that there are a few upscale hotels, restaurants and cafes to be found, but Ochsenfurt still retains its medieval charm. The town was once part of the diocese of Wurzburg and boasted a superb old town wall built around the 14th century. The city is also home to several other noteworthy sights, including a smattering of half-timbered buildings. In addition to its many tourist-friendly amenities, Ochsenfurt is surrounded by rolling hills and a bevvy of wineries.
Having been in existence for over four centuries, it would be hard to pin down a specific era in which the town took centre stage, but the heydays of the town’s history are well documented. As a result, Ochsenfurt has something for everyone – from those who want to relive the glory days of medieval Germany to those who want to experience a slice of the 21st century. In short, it is a great place to visit and an even better place to spend money.
Quedlinburg
In the Harz mountain range, Quedlinburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved half-timbered towns. It has over one thousand years of history. A convent of aristocratic women founded the town. It became an important political and cultural centre in the 10th century under King Heinrich I. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town contains more than one thousand half-timbered houses. The town wall has been protected since 1330. It is the oldest intact medieval structure in the city. The marketplace, or Marktplatz, is the perfect place to finish exploring. It offers a great view of the Gothic Town Hall.
The half-timbered buildings in this town have been carefully restored. Many of the old warehouses have been converted into apartments. These structures are often painted in bright colours.
The oldest half-timbered house in Germany was built around 1300. The wooden post frame surrounds the building from the sill plate to the top plate. In the early 17th century, builders filled spaces between timbers with bricks. This allowed for more elaborate and ornate designs.
The oldest preserved half-timbered house is the Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock house. It is located at 12 Schlossberg Strasse. This building is also a museum. It explains the construction of the building and its restoration.
Another historic building is the Renaissance Castle. The courtyard of this structure is set on a 75-foot sandstone outcropping. The interior of the castle includes a collection of religious manuscripts. It also has a section on Frau Doktor Erxleben.
Quedlinburg is one of the most significant historic preservation districts in Germany. The town was spared from World War II’s destruction and remains unscathed primarily today. In 1995, it was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The Hanseatic town of Stade
Located in the lower regions of the River Elbe and the Schwinge, Stade is a charming and historic town. It is only 45 km west of Hamburg. It was an important trading centre for many centuries.
It is the oldest city in the northern German state of Lower Saxony. There are also several beautiful sights in the city. A popular place is the Old Port, which is located in the Alten Hafen. This area is lined with half-timbered houses. It is also home to cafes and restaurants.
A unique attraction is the Swedish Warehouse, built during the Swedish rule of Stade. The building has been converted into a museum and contains a fascinating exhibition about the city’s history.
The Cathedral, one of Stade’s most iconic buildings, has been around for over a thousand years. It was extensively restored in the 20th century. A tour of the church can be arranged.
There are many festivals and events in Stade, including the local shooting festival and the medieval markets. In addition, visitors can visit the ancient half-timbered houses that line Backerstrasse and Bungenstrasse. Cafes and restaurants also surround the fish market square.
The Stade Tower offers stunning views of the city. There are also several opulent properties in the city. You can also climb the steeple of the Cosmae Church. Several city tours also help you learn more about the city’s history.
There is also a beautiful beach hidden behind a high dike. You can also enjoy boating or other nautical activities near the old town.
The town is part of the Hamburg metropolitan region. It is also connected to the city’s S-Bahn rapid transit network.
Golden Plough Tavern in Pennsylvania
Located in York, Pennsylvania, Golden Plough Tavern is a two-story building dating from the early 1750s. It is a rare example of Old-World German timber framing in the United States. It is a part of the Colonial Complex, a group of historic buildings in downtown York. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Martin Eichelberger, a native of the Black Forest region of Germany, originally built it. In addition to the tavern, he also constructed a house next door.
The Golden Plough Tavern is an excellent example of the corner-post log construction with half-timbered brick infills. The walls are made of half-timbered bricks on the second floor. The ground floor wall is made of hewn logs framed into vertical posts. Likewise, the roof structure is prepared by a truss that carries purlins to support the intermediate rafters.
One of the best features of the Golden Plough is its unique timber framing. The first-floor walls are made of a mixture of log construction and timber framing. Interestingly, the roof is framed by a truss design known as a legendary stuhl. This is a 6,000-year-old technique, which is very rare in America.
The tavern is connected to the Gates House, a two-and-a-half-story stone and brick house Joseph Chambers built in 1751. Both places were restored in the 1960s. The York County History Center now operates the Gates House.
Another historic building in the Colonial Complex is the Old Republic Distillery. This distillery produces Apple Pie Moonshine and Battlefield Voda. Denise Mathias owns the distillery. It is located at 157 W Market Street, York, PA, 17401.