To make the most of your stay in a historic property, it’s important to know more about the era it comes from. Every location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. From opulent Baroque details to Japanese simplicity, history lives in every corner—and understanding the story behind it adds more depth and meaning to your stay.
Before 1200
Ancient to Early Medieval
This era represents humanity’s earliest expressions of art, engineering, and architecture. From Buddhist stupas and monasteries to timber-framed shrines in Japan, buildings from this era showcase profound cosmological beliefs and engineering feats.
Japan - Kofun to Heian Period
Japan’s early architecture emphasized a balance of nature and spiritual order. Shinto shrines had simple wood structures, while Buddhist temples took notes from traditional Chinese design, featuring symmetrical designs and tiled roofs.
Explore Properties1200–1600
High Medieval to Renaissance
During this period of spiritual growth, some of the most famous architectural legacies in history were created, including fortified strongholds, elegant noble homes, and religious structures.
Europe - Gothic and Renaissance
In Europe, the Renaissance introduced proportion and classical harmony, while Gothic cathedrals with pointed arches reflected an upward-reaching devotion.
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India - Sultanate to Early Mughal Period
Intricate mosques, tombs, and gardens in India were created throughout the Sultanate and early Mughal eras by combining Persian, Islamic, and native components.
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Japan - Kamakura and Muromachi Period
Zen aesthetics were popular in Japan during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, as shown in the straightforward but tasteful designs of temples and castles.
Explore Properties1601–1800
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
As empires expanded and trade networks flourished, architecture became more ornamental and globally influenced. This led to minimalist castles, colonial towns, and elaborate palaces.
Europe - Early Modern Period
Louis IV's taste for opulence, which included ornate façades, huge staircases, and formal gardens, largely shaped European architectural design. During this time, baroque-style palatial residences also gained popularity in France and Austria.
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India - Mughal Zenith to Regional Kingdoms
In India, marble tombs, sandstone forts, and intricate havelis serve as visual forms of poetry and power. Rajput forts and Indo-Islamic palaces are also some of the prominent architectural wonders from this period.
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Japan - Edo Period (1603–1868)
During the Edo Period, bukeyashiki (samurai mansions) and machiyas (merchant residences) gained popularity in Japan. Castle towns also incorporated the concept of minimalist elegance into its architecture and design, continuing the idea of simple, Zen-like buildings.
Explore Properties1801–1900
Industrial & Imperial Era
The Industrial Revolution transformed economies, and empires expanded their reach. In architecture, this period resulted in opulent, eclectic, and utilitarian buildings. In Britain and its colonies, Victorian and Edwardian architecture flourished, while in France, mansard roofs and wrought-iron balconies were typical. Indian architecture, on the other hand, combined Hindu, Gothic, and Mughal architectural elements in its palaces and public structures.
Japan - Meiji Period (1868–1912)
The Meiji period preserved aspects of traditional craftsmanship while incorporating Western characteristics through brick and stone architecture.
Explore Properties1901–1950
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
This age became a time of stylistic evolution in architecture amid wars, independence movements, and rapid global changes. Early modernism, the Art Deco movement, and transitional styles that blended tradition and innovation all flourished during this time.
India - Colonial & Early Independent India
In the final decades of British rule, Indian architecture was a blend of classical elegance and Indian motifs, as seen in Lutyens' Delhi. After independence in 1947, most royal residences were repurposed into civic institutions or luxury accommodations.
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Japan - Taishō to Early Shōwa Period (1912–1945)
The TaishĹŤ and early ShĹŤwa eras showcased eclectic architectural experimentation in Japan. Art Deco styles influenced urban centers, while public buildings such as Nara Station and the Tokyo National Museum featured architectural features of the Imperial Crown Style.
Explore Properties1951–Present
In the postwar era, modernism spread globally with an emphasis on clean lines, open spaces, and sustainable materials. Across the globe, historic properties like ancient monasteries and country estates are preserved or reinterpreted as boutique accommodations that celebrate their origins while embracing present-day comforts.
