old house description creative writing

How to Describe an Old Home

Kristin dasher.

Using an old home as an element of an essay or a story can provide a spooky or mysterious backdrop to the story. First, consider and describe several elements of the old house. Focusing on the imagery, including sights, sounds and feelings surrounding an old home is a unique way to influence the reader.

Describe the house's general appearance. Focus on elements of the home's appearance that indicate its age. For example, the floor panels might be pulling up, the paint may be peeling off the walls and the shutters could be crooked.

Mention the house's smell. Use adjectives like musky, damp, dank or stale to describe the aged environment.

Include details about the temperature and atmosphere of the house. Describe the home as chilly, vacant or bare. Use imagery such as dusty furniture or dark hallways to detail the home's age.

Add details about the sounds the reader might hear in the home. You can include creaking stairs or floorboards, whistling in the windows, or mysterious noises in the attic.

• 1 DePaul University; An Example Story Description; Clark Elliot; October 1997

About the Author

Kristin Dasher has been writing since 2007. She has served as a technical writer for several software development companies and has won multiple awards in the annual competitions held by the Society for Technical Communication. Dasher holds a Bachelor of Science in professional writing and French from Missouri State University.

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57 Best Ways to Describe Buildings in Writing (+ Examples)

One of the key components of any setting is the buildings within it.

Knowing how to describe buildings can transport your reader right into the world you’ve built.

Here’s how to describe buildings in writing:

Describe buildings in writing by utilizing architectural style, historical periods, materials used, and their cultural significance. Incorporate sensory details like soundscapes and emotional resonance. Highlight unique features, transformations, legends, and personal memories for depth.

In this article, you’ll learn all the ways to describe buildings in your writing.

1. By Historical Period

Table of Contents

Different historical periods offer a plethora of architectural designs.

When you mention a building from the Renaissance era, the image of grandeur, classic designs, and meticulous details springs to mind.

Similarly, medieval structures might invoke images of castles and fortresses.

Some historical periods to consider are:

• Ancient : Pyramids, temples, and coliseums.
• Medieval : Castles, fortresses, and walled towns.
• Renaissance : Grand manors, theaters, and palaces.
• Victorian : Ornate houses, large estates, and townhouses.
• Modern : Skyscrapers, glass-fronted buildings, and minimalist designs.

2. By Material

The building material not only imparts a physical texture to a structure but also offers a tactile feeling to your narrative.

When we describe a structure made of sandstone, readers may visualize its ruggedness and the warmth of its golden-brown hue.

On the other hand, glass skyscrapers evoke modernity and offer a reflection (both literal and metaphorical) of the urban world.

Examples of materials :

• Brick : Often seen in traditional townhouses. Think of the classic brownstones of New York.
• Marble : Conjures images of opulent palaces or Greek temples.
• Wood : Wooden lodges or cabins evoke feelings of nature, simplicity, and coziness.
• Glass : Mostly seen in modern office buildings or high-rises, suggesting transparency and sleek design.

3. By Height

Height in buildings can be an implicit indication of many things, including the period in which it was built, its function, or the aspirations of its builders.

A towering skyscraper in a business district implies a beacon of commerce and ambition.

In contrast, a quaint, single-story cottage nestled in a village street whispers tales of simplicity and tradition.

The narrative contrast is stark between the dominance of a city’s tallest structure and the humble abode that clings to the ground, embodying a quiet, unassuming charm.

Both have stories to tell, and the tales are as different as the shadows they cast.

Every building, whether ancient or modern, stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.

When describing an old, moss-covered stone building, readers might imagine the countless seasons it has withstood, the generations it has seen, and the myriad stories embedded in its walls.

A newly constructed high-rise, with its shiny facade and contemporary design, hints at a world that’s rapidly evolving, racing towards the future.

It speaks of innovation, of fresh beginnings, and sometimes, of the relentless march of progress that leaves no room for the old.

5. By Function

A building’s function is its heartbeat. It dictates the rhythm of activities inside, the kind of people who frequent it, and the emotions it evokes.

A school, for instance, might resonate with the sounds of children’s laughter, the rustling of books, and the knowledge pursuits.

Examples of functions :

• Library : A sanctuary of silence, corridors filled with the musky scent of old books, and seekers of knowledge lost in its aisles.
• Factory : Buzzing with activity, and machinery noise, indicative of industry and production.
• Barn : Evoking rustic charm, the scent of hay, and the sounds of farm animals.
• Theater : A world of art, echoing with applause, dramatic performances, and cultural expressions.

6. By Atmosphere

More than its physical attributes, the atmosphere of a building defines its soul.

It’s the difference between a church’s hallowed silence, which commands reverence, and the bustling, lively cacophony of a market square teeming with life.

While the exterior might give a hint, it’s the interior atmosphere of a building that truly draws a reader in.

The interior offers them a seat in its world, whether that’s the tranquility of a remote mountain monastery or the energetic vibe of a downtown jazz club.

7. By Surroundings

Buildings don’t exist in isolation.

They’re part of a larger tableau. Describing the surroundings sets the stage.

A lone manor at the edge of a dark forest might evoke mystery and intrigue, while the same manor overlooking a serene lake offers tranquility.

Context, in essence, is a silent storyteller.

It provides clues about the building’s purpose, its history, and its relationship with its environment.

The quaint bookshop squeezed between two modern cafes speaks of resilience amidst change.

Just as a historic monument amidst skyscrapers stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past.

8. By Color

Colors are a palette of emotions.

Describing a building’s color is akin to painting its mood.

The pastel hues of a coastal villa might convey a laid-back, beachy vibe.

Meanwhile, the monochrome shades of an urban structure suggest sobriety and functionality.

Whether it’s the radiant gold of a palace under the sun, the deep blue of a nighttime diner, or the rusty red of an old barn, colors breathe life into descriptions, making them vivid and evocative.

Size can be both a physical measure and a psychological one.

A sprawling mansion, with its many rooms and vast lawns, can indicate grandeur and opulence.

On the other hand, a small, compact house might not be grand, but it could brim with warmth and coziness.

It’s about the space, its utilization, and the feeling it imparts.

Does the vastness of a castle make one feel lost, or does it evoke a sense of awe? Does the confined space of an attic room feel claustrophobic, or does it exude intimacy?

10. By Architectural Style

Every architectural style brings with it a set of aesthetics, principles, and histories.

A Gothic cathedral, with its pointed arches and intricate detailing, is more than just a place of worship

It’s a testament to a particular period of architectural achievement.

Examples of architectural styles :

• Art Deco : Think of the glamorous 1920s, with ornate details, bold geometric forms, and lavish materials.
• Brutalist : Characterized by raw, unadorned concrete structures, it often evokes strength and functionality.
• Colonial : Reminiscent of colonization eras, with large porches, brick facades, and symmetrical designs.
• Modernist : Simplified forms, open floor plans, and a strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines.

11. By Cultural Influences

Every culture has its distinct architectural imprints.

Buildings influenced by a specific culture bring with them a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and artistic nuances.

For instance, a pagoda-style temple immediately brings forth Asian influences, whereas a hacienda-style house could transport readers to the heart of Mexico.

A mosque, with its minarets piercing the sky, intricately designed domes, and calligraphy-laden interiors, speaks of Islamic artistry.

A Mediterranean villa with stucco walls and red-tiled roofs tells tales of sun-kissed coasts and leisurely lifestyles.

12. By State of Repair

The condition of a building can be a rich source of narrative information.

A dilapidated mansion covered in ivy, with broken windows and creaky doors, might hint at long-forgotten stories, neglect, or even hauntings.

In contrast, a well-maintained Victorian house, freshly painted with a manicured lawn, suggests pride, history cherished and sustained.

Structures in ruins, especially historic ones, often feel melancholic, reminding readers of the inexorable march of time.

Meanwhile, buildings under construction are beacons of progress, symbolizing hope, aspirations, and the future.

13. By Decorative Elements

Details matter.

An ornate balcony with wrought-iron railings, statues adorning entrances, or stained glass windows can offer readers visual treats and clues about a building’s history and the aesthetic preferences of its inhabitants or architects.

Examples of decorative elements :

• Gargoyles : Often found in Gothic structures, these stone creatures serve both decorative and architectural purposes.
• Frescoes : Painted walls or ceilings, common in Renaissance buildings, depict scenes or stories.
• Mosaics : Pieces of colored glass or stones arranged to form patterns or images, frequently found in Byzantine architecture.
• Columns : Pillars that might be Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian, each bringing a different historical and aesthetic layer.

14. By Lighting

Light, both natural and artificial, plays a significant role in setting the mood.

A cathedral bathed in the soft hues of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows offers a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions.

Conversely, an alleyway dimly lit by a lone lamp post might evoke feelings of solitude or mystery.

The glow of lanterns in an old inn or the harsh neon lights of a modern nightclub can drastically alter the way a building is perceived, grounding readers in a specific time or mood.

15. By Acoustics

Beyond the visual, what does a building sound like?

The echo of footsteps in a grand marble hall, the muffled sounds in a carpeted library, or the lively acoustics of a music hall can immerse readers deeper into the setting.

Acoustics can also serve as indicators.

Sound bouncing off the walls of an empty mansion might evoke feelings of loneliness or abandonment.

Buildings like opera houses or concert halls, specially designed for optimal acoustics, not only emphasize the significance of sound but also bear testimony to the architectural marvels dedicated to the art of sound.

16. By User Experience

How does one navigate or experience the building?

A labyrinthine palace with endless corridors and secret chambers can give a sense of mystery.

In contrast, an open-plan modern office emphasizes transparency and collaboration.

The ease or difficulty of navigating a space, the viewpoints offered by balconies or windows, and even the experience of ascending a grand staircase versus taking a modern elevator can offer readers insights into the building’s purpose and the era’s design principles.

17. By Integration with Nature

Some buildings seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, while others stand out.

A cottage with walls covered in ivy, almost hidden by the woods around it, offers a different narrative than a steel-and-glass structure stark against a forest backdrop.

Consider a treehouse that becomes one with the canopy or a desert abode designed for optimal cooling.

Either way, the relationship between a building and its environment can be a rich descriptor, highlighting harmony or discord.

18. By Innovations or Anachronisms

Certain structures stand out due to their innovative designs or features that are anachronistic for their time.

An ancient building with ahead-of-its-time water systems, or a futuristic house with solar integrations and smart tech in a traditional neighborhood, can be points of interest.

Such descriptions can surprise the reader, make them curious, or emphasize the uniqueness and significance of a structure.

19. By Symbolic Significance

Beyond their tangible attributes, some buildings hold symbolic meanings.

They might represent power (like a king’s palace), spirituality (like a temple or church), knowledge (like a grand library), or even decay and decline (like ruins).

The symbolic weight of a building can add depth to its description and make it more resonant in the narrative.

20. By Popularity or Notoriety

Lastly, how is the building perceived by the masses?

Is it a famous landmark, a tourist magnet with crowds always milling about?

Or perhaps it’s a notorious structure, shunned by locals due to dark tales or unfortunate histories.

The public’s perception of a building, whether a beloved local bakery or a haunted mansion, can influence its role in the story and shape the readers’ attitudes towards it.

21. By Ornamentation and Artistry

Buildings can be embellished with diverse forms of ornamentation, from intricate carvings to frescoes.

This decor often reflects the cultural and historical contexts, as well as the individual tastes of its creators.

A building adorned with gargoyles and flying buttresses, for example, might point towards Gothic influences.

• Baroque Churches : Filled with lavish ornamentation, gilded statues, and dramatic frescoes.
• Indian Temples : Carved with intricate sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and tales from epics.
• Art Nouveau Buildings : Characterized by sinuous lines, floral motifs, and harmonious curves.

22. By Patronage or Ownership

The patron or owner of a building can provide essential insights into its style, purpose, and decor.

Palaces built by powerful rulers often reflect their ambitions, tastes, or the political needs of their time.

On the other hand, structures erected by philanthropists might emphasize utility and public welfare.

• The Medici family in Renaissance Florence sponsored numerous buildings that became masterpieces of their era.
• The Rockefeller Center in New York, financed by the Rockefeller family, is a beacon of art deco design and urban planning.

23. By Architectural Movement

Every era spawns architectural movements with distinct principles and aesthetics.

Describing a building by its movement aligns it with specific philosophies, materials, and designs.

The minimalist, functional approach of the Bauhaus contrasts with the ornate designs of the Rococo.

• Bauhaus : Emphasizes functionality and eschews unnecessary ornamentation.
• Rococo : Known for its playful, whimsical, and intricate designs, often in pastel colors.

24. By Social and Economic Status

Buildings can often depict the socio-economic status of their inhabitants or the region they’re located in.

Mansions, penthouses, and gated communities often exude opulence.

In comparison, slums, tenements, and worker cottages might highlight poverty or the working-class struggles.

Examples: The elegant townhouses of London’s Belgravia versus the narrow, crowded lanes of Dharavi in Mumbai.

25. By Sensory Appeal

Beyond sight, buildings can be described by how they appeal to other senses.

The scent of aged wood in a historic home, the touch of cool marble underfoot in a palace, or the distant sounds echoing through a vast cathedral can make descriptions more immersive.

• The warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread from a French bakery.
• The gentle, rhythmic tapping of rain on a tin-roofed cottage.

26. By Folklore or Legend

Some buildings are shrouded in myths, legends, or local tales.

A castle might be infamous for its ghostly residents, or a historic home might be revered as a hero’s birthplace.

Such tales add depth, intrigue, and cultural context.

• The legend of the Tower of London’s ravens, suggesting the kingdom’s fall if they ever leave.
• The lore surrounding Transylvania’s Bran Castle, often linked with the Dracula legend.

27. By Climate Adaptation

Buildings can be designed or modified to adapt to their climatic conditions.

A desert home might have thick walls to keep the interiors cool, while houses in tropical regions might feature wide verandas and high ceilings for ventilation.

• The igloos of the Arctic, built from blocks of snow.
• Traditional Arabian homes with wind towers for natural cooling.

28. By Relation to Other Structures

The juxtaposition of a building with its neighboring structures can offer rich contrasts or harmonies.

A medieval church beside a modern mall might highlight the city’s layered history or the interplay of the sacred and the commercial.

• The Flatiron Building in New York, with its unique triangular shape, set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
• Rome’s Pantheon, an ancient temple, surrounded by renaissance buildings and modern cafes.

29. By Adaptive Reuse

Old structures might be repurposed for new functions, preserving their history while adapting to contemporary needs.

Warehouses transformed into lofts, churches turned into bookshops, or palaces renovated into hotels.

Transformations show the evolving narratives of buildings.

• The Tate Modern in London, once a power station.
• Book and Bed Hostels in Tokyo, combining bookshops with sleeping quarters.

30. By Emotional Resonance

How does a building make one feel?

Describing the emotional response it evokes can be more powerful than detailing its physical attributes.

A derelict asylum might exude eeriness, while a childhood home could evoke nostalgia.

• The somber, reflective atmosphere of the 9/11 Memorial.
• The joy and wonder of entering the whimsical world of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona.

31. By Historical Events

Many buildings carry the weight of significant historical events.

These events can cast a long shadow over the building’s atmosphere and its place in society.

For instance, a palace that was the site of a famous treaty signing or an assassination takes on the weight and significance of those events, shaping how one views and describes it.

The mere mention of such a building might evoke a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, filled with the drama and emotion of the past.

• The Palace of Versailles in France, which witnessed numerous royal dramas and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., forever remembered as the assassination site of President Abraham Lincoln.

32. By Foundation

The foundation of a building is its bedrock, dictating its stability, longevity, and sometimes even its aesthetic appeal.

It speaks volumes about the building’s resilience, design intentions, and the environment it’s in.

Different terrains require different types of foundations.

A building’s foundation can indicate whether it’s designed to withstand earthquakes, floods, or other environmental factors.

• Stilt homes in flood-prone areas, raised above ground level, showcase the adaptation to the local environment.
• Buildings in earthquake-prone regions like Japan might have deep foundations and reinforced pillars to absorb shocks.

33. By Roof

Roofs provide shelter but also contribute to a building’s identity.

They often serve as an architectural highlight or adaptation to the climate of a region.

A roof can be symbolic of a region’s architectural history or a practical response to weather conditions. It can be decorative or functional, or both.

• The distinct pagoda-style roofs in ancient Chinese architecture, with their upturned eaves.
• Thatched roofs of English cottages, providing insulation and showcasing a rustic charm.

34. By Landscape Integration

How a building integrates or stands out from its surrounding landscape can be a focal point of description.

A mansion atop a hill overlooking a town tells a story of dominance or isolation, while a camouflaged cabin in the woods speaks of retreat and harmony with nature.

• Machu Picchu in Peru, a stone city seamlessly integrated into the mountainous terrain.
• Cliffside dwellings like the Hanging Temple in China, defying gravity and blending with the vertical landscape.

35. By Socio-political Context

Architecture often mirrors the socio-political climate of its time.

Structures built during totalitarian regimes might exude power and intimidation, while those from a renaissance period might reflect hope, curiosity, and the human spirit.

Describing buildings within this context can enhance the depth of a story, setting the stage for the characters’ challenges and triumphs.

• The grandeur of Stalinist architecture, like the Seven Sisters in Moscow, representing power and state dominance.
• The democratic openness of city halls and public squares in many European cities, symbolizing public participation and freedom.

36. By Architectural Philosophy

Some buildings are constructed based on specific architectural philosophies or principles.

Perhaps the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi-sabi” celebrating imperfection or the Modernist mantra “form follows function.”

These guiding principles can be a unique way to delve into the building’s essence.

• Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, embodying the philosophy of organic architecture.
• The grid-like simplicity of De Stijl architecture , as seen in Rietveld Schröder House.

37. By Spiritual or Religious Significance

Many structures are steeped in spiritual or religious significance, making them more than just brick and mortar.

Temples, churches, mosques, and other religious edifices often come loaded with symbolic elements, rituals, and an aura of reverence.

• The Notre-Dame Cathedral i n Paris, with its Gothic spires, rose windows, and religious relics.
• The intricately carved Jain temples of India, representing non-violence and respect for all living beings.

38. By Reflection of the Times

Architecture can be a mirror to the prevalent trends, technology, and societal values of its era.

A post-war building might carry elements of resilience and simplicity.

Structures from a prosperous era might, instead, exude opulence and flamboyance.

• Art Deco buildings of the Roaring Twenties, like the Chrysler Building in New York, symbolizing prosperity and technological progress.
• The austere, functional buildings of post-World War II Europe, reflecting the continent’s recovery phase.

39. By Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Every building might have personal stories or anecdotes linked to it.

These tales, whether of love, tragedy, triumph, or everyday life, can turn a mundane structure into something special.

A house might be remembered for the family feuds it witnessed, or a bridge might be iconic for a legendary love story.

• The Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona, believed to be the site of the famous Shakespearean love story.
• The childhood homes of famous personalities, like Mozart’s Geburtshaus in Salzburg, which tells tales of prodigious talent and early beginnings.

40. By Flooring

Flooring can reflect the luxury, practicality, or cultural elements of a building.

It plays a significant role in interior aesthetics and user comfort.

The choice of flooring material, its texture, and design can say a lot about the purpose of a room and the building’s overall theme.

• Design: The intricately designed marble floors of palaces, indicating opulence and grandeur.
• Material: Bamboo or tatami mat flooring in traditional Japanese homes, bringing forth an essence of simplicity and nature.

41. By Urban vs. Rural Setting

The setting of a building, whether in a bustling urban environment or a serene rural backdrop, affects its architecture, materials used, and its overall ambiance.

Urban structures might prioritize vertical expansion and efficient space use.

Rural ones might spread outwards, integrating with nature.

• The compact, upward-stretching skyscrapers of Manhattan versus the sprawling ranches of Montana.
• Ancient European farmhouses nestled in valleys versus modern urban apartments with their balconies facing busy streets.

42. By Ecological Impact

With the rising emphasis on sustainability, many buildings are now designed with their ecological footprint in mind.

Consider green roofs and walls to structures entirely powered by renewable energy.

There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly architecture.

• The Bullitt Center in Seattle is called the world’s most eco-friendly office building.
• Ancient cliff dwellings, which utilized natural rock formations to maintain interior temperatures and minimize impact on the environment.

43. By Underground Space

A building’s underground space can reveal hidden functions, histories, or layers of utility that aren’t immediately visible on the surface.

Basements, cellars, underground bunkers, or parking spaces can add layers of mystery, function, or historical depth.

• Ancient catacombs or crypts beneath churches, like the Catacombs of Paris, harboring history and tales of the departed.
• Modern skyscrapers with multiple levels of underground parking and utility spaces, showcasing urban space optimization.

44. By Human Interaction

How people interact with a building can be a powerful descriptor.

Are its halls always crowded?

Do children play in its courtyards? Is it a place of solitude or social interaction?

Such descriptions bring the building to life, emphasizing its role in the community.

• The lively bustle of Grand Central Terminal in New York, with commuters rushing, tourists marveling, and couples reuniting.
• The tranquil corridors of monasteries, where the only sounds might be the soft footsteps of monks.

45. By Technological Advancements

In the modern age, buildings can be described by the technology they incorporate.

Smart homes, buildings with integrated AI systems, or structures with advanced security systems reflect the advancements of the age.

• The Edge in Amsterdam, touted as the world’s smartest building, where even the coffee machines are connected to the internet.
• Historical aqueducts and water systems, showcasing the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations.

46. By Adaptability and Flexibility

Some buildings are designed to be adaptable to different needs over time.

These structures might have movable walls, transformable spaces, or modular designs that can evolve with changing requirements.

• The Habitat 67 complex in Montreal, where prefabricated modules can be reconfigured.
• Japanese homes designed with large open spaces that can serve multiple purposes, from living rooms in the day to sleeping areas at night.

47. By Fragrance and Aroma

Though subtle, the distinctive smells associated with certain buildings can paint a vivid picture.

A library’s musty scent, the fresh aroma from a bakery, or the mix of incense in a temple can transport the reader to the location instantly.

• The cedarwood fragrance permeating ancient temples in Kyoto.
• The unmistakable scent of chlorine in indoor swimming complexes.

48. By Security Features

Security features can provide insights into the importance, vulnerability, or the treasures a building holds.

It can also reflect the socio-political environment of the locale.

A building heavily fortified indicates its importance or the potential threats it might face, whereas minimal security might indicate peace, openness, or a lack of valuable contents.

• The Buckingham Palace with its guards, high walls, and surveillance systems, highlighting the importance and the need to protect the monarchy.
• A quiet, open-plan library in a small town, with just CCTV cameras, showcases the trust in the community and the open access to knowledge.

49. By Mystique and Legends

Every region has its tales, its myths, and sometimes these stories are intrinsically tied to certain structures.

A haunted house, a castle rumored to have hidden treasures, or an inn with tales of historical figures stopping by can add a layer of mystique and depth to the description.

• The Tower of London, with its many ghostly tales including that of Anne Boleyn.
• Château de Brissac in France, also known as the “Giant of the Loire Valley,” renowned for its ghost, “la Dame Verte” or the Green Lady.

50. By Seasons and Weather

The way a building interacts with different seasons can be enchanting.

How it stands resilient during winter storms, becomes enlivened by spring blossoms, offers shade in summer, or is framed by autumn leaves can bring a dynamic quality to descriptions.

• Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, often pictured blanketed in winter snow, looking like a fairy-tale come alive.
• Traditional Japanese homes with engawas (verandas) designed to appreciate seasonal changes, especially the sakura bloom in spring.

51. By Movement and Dynamics

While buildings are inherently static, the environment around them isn’t.

Describe how shadows move across a structure during the day, how it appears through the mist, or how its reflection dances on water.

These details can capture a building’s dynamic interplay with the environment.

• The play of sunset hues on Petra’s Al-Khazneh in Jordan, making the ancient rose-red city look aflame.
• The Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, with its surrealistic appearance as it reflects on the bay waters.

52. By Proportions and Geometry

A building’s proportions, symmetry, or lack thereof, and its geometrical design elements can serve as potent descriptors.

They can convey balance, chaos, grandeur, or coziness, depending on the design.

• The perfectly symmetrical facade of the Taj Mahal in India, representing balance and beauty.
• The twisted and unconventional design of the Dancing House in Prague, which challenges traditional architectural norms.

53. By Hidden or Secret Elements

Every building might have its hidden nooks, secret passages, or lesser-known elements.

Describing these can add an element of intrigue and adventure to the narrative.

• The hidden chambers and passageways of Hampton Court Palace in England.
• The concealed courtyards of Marrakech’s riads, which offer an oasis of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle.

54. By Time of Day

The time of day can drastically change how a building is perceived.

Dawn might cast a soft golden glow, midday could highlight the structure’s magnificence under bright light.

Dusk might lend a serene hue, while nighttime could unveil a structure illuminated in artificial lights.

• Eiffel Tower in Paris, which transforms from an iron lattice structure in the day to a sparkling jewel at night.
• Ancient ruins like Stonehenge, which take on a mystical aura during the solstice sunrise.

55. By Parking

Parking can offer a unique perspective on the accessibility, modernity, and practical aspects of a building.

A skyscraper might have a multi-level underground parking facility, while a countryside inn might just have a gravel lot.

The type and style of parking can shed light on the type of people frequenting the building and its location.

Parking is a functional aspect that often gets overlooked.

Yet, it can provide insights into the modern infrastructure and the building’s capacity to accommodate visitors.

• The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, known for its expansive parking decks, indicative of the structure’s modernity and the bustling crowd it attracts.
• A centuries-old church in a European town, with only a cobblestone path leading up to it and no dedicated parking, emphasizing its age and the pedestrian nature of the locale.

56. By What Is Missing

Sometimes, what a building lacks can be as telling as what it includes.

The absence of certain features can highlight its history, purpose, or the socio-economic conditions of its residents.

Absence can be telling. A building missing windows might suggest a need for defense or privacy in historical times.

Lack of modern amenities might indicate either a commitment to maintaining historical authenticity or a lack of resources.

• Castles like the Alhambra in Spain, where certain decorative elements are conspicuously absent due to religious beliefs of the Moors.
• An old house in a rural village, devoid of any electronic fixtures or modern plumbing, hinting at a simpler time or economic constraints.

57. By Literary Genre

Buildings can be described in a style reminiscent of different literary genres.

A haunted house might be described in a gothic or horror style, a futuristic building in a sci-fi manner, or an old mansion in a romantic or historic style.

Literary genres come with their own set of conventions, moods, and themes.

Utilizing these can offer a distinctive lens through which to view and describe a building, thereby setting a tone that aligns with the narrative’s intent.

• An abandoned asylum, its corridors echoing with eerie silences and shadows, drawing from horror literature.
• A building with sleek curves, neon-lit facades, and hovering platforms, reminiscent of science fiction settings like Blade Runner.

50 Words to Describe Buildings

Here is a list of words to describe buildings in your stories, reports, product profiles, and more:

• Dilapidated
• Minimalistic
• Symmetrical
• Breathtaking
• Picturesque
• Verdant (if covered with plants)
• Cobblestoned
• Flourishing

25 Phrases to Describe Buildings

Next, let’s look at some of the best “starter” phrases to use when you need to describe buildings in writing.

• Standing tall against the horizon
• Whispers of bygone eras
• A beacon of modernity
• The touch of nature’s embrace
• Frozen in time
• A dance of shadows and light
• Bearing the weight of history
• A testament to innovation
• Merging tradition and modernity
• Clinging to its past
• Resilient against the elements
• Melting pot of architectural styles
• Crafted with meticulous precision
• Heralding a new age
• Cradled in the lap of nature
• Drawing eyes skyward
• Seamlessly blending with its surroundings
• Shrouded in tales and mysteries
• Rising like a phoenix
• A canvas of artistic expression
• Carved with legends
• Keeping pace with the future
• Holding the stories of centuries
• Echoing the footsteps of the past
• A juxtaposition of epochs

Check out this video about how to describe buildings in writing:

Three Full Building Descriptions

I don’t know about you but I love to see full examples – especially when it comes to writing tips and techniques.

Therefore, here are three examples for how to describe buildings in writing.

The Old Manor House

Nestled on the outskirts of the town, the Old Manor House stands as a silent sentinel of the past.

Its weathered stone walls and time-worn wooden beams whisper tales of bygone eras. The structure, with its vast corridors and winding staircases, holds an enigmatic charm. Ivy covers much of its facade, lending it a verdant embrace.

The large, towering oak trees around it act as guardians, their branches swaying gently with the wind.

Here, every creak of the floorboard and rustle of the leaves seems to echo with stories waiting to be discovered.

Pinnacle Tower

Rising above the bustling city is the Pinnacle Tower, a beacon of modernity.

Its sleek, reflective glass surface mirrors the ever-changing skyline. As the sun sets, the tower transforms into a luminous gem, its lights dancing amidst the city’s constellation. Designed with innovative architecture, it stands not just as a workplace but a testament to human achievement and the possibilities of the future.

Its top floor offers a panoramic view, making the chaotic streets below seem like a rhythmic, orchestrated play.

Lilac Cottage

Tucked away in a quiet lane, the Lilac Cottage is the epitome of quaint charm.

With its cobblestoned pathway leading to a blue wooden door, and windows framed by blooming flower boxes, the cottage seems straight out of a storybook. The white picket fence and the small garden, bursting with colors, add to its picturesque beauty.

Inside, the intimate space, with its wooden furniture and lace curtains, radiates warmth and comfort.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen, promising a sanctuary of homely delights.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Buildings in Writing

Each building has stories etched into its walls, stories of the hands that built it, the eras it survived, and the people who occupied it.

By employing diverse descriptive techniques, writers can unearth and convey these tales, making structures more than just static edifices.

We have lots of other articles about how to describe people, places, and things in writing.

Check out a few of the others before you go :).

Related Posts:

• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)
• How To Describe a House in Writing (21 Tips for Beginners)
• How to Describe Mountains in Writing (21 Tips & Examples)
• 400+ Words to Describe a Flower Garden: Best Writers Guide

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How to Describe a Cottage in a Story

By Rebecca Parpworth-Reynolds

Are you writing a novel set in the countryside and need some tips to make the surroundings scenic? If you want to know how to describe a cottage in a story, we’ll explain in this post.

1. Crumbling

Breaking into small pieces.

“The once picturesque cottage stood in a state of melancholic decay, its walls cracked and weather-worn, while ivy clung desperately to the crumbling facade.”

“Within the confines of the crumbling cottage, ancient beams sagged wearily and the remnants of faded wallpaper fluttered in the draft, revealing the bittersweet story of its forgotten inhabitants.”

How it Adds Description

“Crumbling” can be used to describe a cottage that has fallen into disrepair. Often this is the case in old farming communities, or out in the wilderness. This adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the building, as your characters and reader may question what caused the cottage to end up in such a state.

2. Old-fashioned

Belonging to the past ; not modern.

“The old-fashioned cottage exuded charm with its thatched roof, flower-filled window boxes, and a white picket fence that whispered tales of a bygone era.”

“As she looked at the cozy old-fashioned cottage, with its rustic timber frame and inviting front porch, a sense of nostalgia welled up within her.”

Describing a cottage as “old-fashioned” implies that it possesses traditional or classic architectural elements, decor, or design choices that are reminiscent of a different era and are not easily replicated. This description suggests a charming, timeless quality that may appeal to those seeking a nostalgic or vintage ambiance.

3. Pastoral

Representing pleasing features of the countryside .

“Nestled in the meadow, the pastoral cottage stood as a serene refuge, surrounded by rolling hills, blooming wildflowers, and the gentle melody of a nearby babbling brook.”

“The pastoral cottage, with its thatched roof and quaint garden, exuded an idyllic charm that perfectly harmonized with the surrounding landscape.”

Cottages are often quintessentially associated with the countryside, so describing them as being “pastoral” is rather apt. It conjures up charming images of country life, helping to create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for your characters and reader.

4. Peaceful

Calm and quiet.

“Nestled in a secluded woodland, the peaceful cottage seemed to radiate an air of serenity; they knew they could rest easy here.”

“As the golden rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow upon the peaceful cottage, a sense of calm enveloped the air as if nature herself were letting out a deep sigh of relief.”

Often, cottages are found in more remote locations or quiet villages, meaning that they can give off a “peaceful” aura. This is particularly true when they are described in contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. Cottages also evoke a sense of comfort, helping people to feel at ease.

5. Picturesque

Attractive , usually in an old-fashioned way.

“Nestled against a backdrop of sheep grazing in hilltop meadows, and framed by vibrant blooming gardens, the picturesque cottage stood as a living postcard.”

“Perched by the shimmering lake, the picturesque cottage boasted charming stone walls, a thatched roof, and flower-filled window boxes, creating a scene so enchanting that it seemed plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.”

By describing a cottage in your story as being “picturesque”, your reader gets the assumption that it is almost perfect, much like what they might see in a work of art. It gives a sense that the cottage and its backdrop are to be admired.

Attractive because something is unusual or old-fashioned.

“Nestled on a cobblestone street, the quaint cottage exuded an undeniable charm that made it stand out from its neighbors.”

“Tucked away in a charming village, the quaint cottage stood as a delightful retreat, its whimsical architecture adorned with climbing vines and a cheerful red door.”

Although to some it is seen as a pejorative word, describing a cottage as “quaint” suggests that it possesses a charming and old-fashioned quality that evokes a sense of coziness, uniqueness, and nostalgia. It helps to showcase the individuality of the cottage, despite being a humble dwelling.

7. Run-down

In bad condition , usually due to overuse.

“Abandoned and forlorn, the run-down cottage sagged under the weight of neglect, its cracked windows and bowed roof a testament to the passage of time.”

“The run-down cottage stood as a mere shell, its decaying walls and broken shutters left to the mercy of nature’s reclaiming embrace.”

Describing a cottage as “run-down” highlights its bad condition and neglect. It evokes a sense of sadness, contrasting the current state of the cottage and its former glory or potential. It helps to create a vivid image of a once-charming dwelling that has fallen into disrepair for your reader.

Simple and unrefined in appearance, usually related to the countryside.

“The rustic cottage emanated a cozy and earthy charm, with its weathered wooden beams, stone fireplace, and warm candlelight that danced through the crackling hearth, showing that sometimes all one needs is the simple things in life.”

“The rustic cottage exuded a timeless charm, its weathered beams and moss-covered roof blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.”

If you need to show that the cottage in your story is a retreat from the modern world, try describing it as “rustic”. “Rustic” places and buildings appeal to those who appreciate a more humble and traditional style of living, usually in the countryside. This helps you to illustrate to your reader the cottage’s charming simplicity and its connection to the natural world.

• Traditional and natural rather than modern and complex.

“The cottage stood as a humble retreat, its unassuming facade and unadorned charm a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the joy found in life’s most uncomplicated pleasures.”

“Amidst the tranquil countryside, the simple cottage stood as a modest sanctuary, its whitewashed walls and unpretentious design reflecting a quiet elegance that embraced a life of contentment.”

By describing a cottage as “simple”, it conveys a sense of understated beauty, authenticity, and a focus on the essentials. Often, it may not be decorated and have only the bare minimum inside. Characters who may not understand its charm might find it to be plain compared to more decadent dwellings, whereas others may see it as a paradise.

10. Verdant

Covered with plant life .

“The verdant cottage appeared as an organic extension of its vibrant surroundings, with ivy-clad walls, a thatched roof blending seamlessly with the emerald foliage, and a flourishing garden.”

“The verdant cottage was adorned with a living tapestry of climbing vines, colorful blooms, and cascading foliage, creating an enchanting haven where the boundary between indoors and outdoors blurred.”

If you wish to convey how the cottage in your story appears to be one with nature, try describing it as being “verdant”. This helps to show how it is just as much of a feature as the plant life around it, creating a true escape from city life.

• The Writer’s Field Guide to the Craft of Fiction
• How to Find a Premise for a Story
• How to Develop a Premise into a Story
• How to Describe Setting
• How to Create and Develop Characters
• How to Write a Scene
• How to Structure a Story
• How to Move Through Time and Space
• How to Write (Or Write Around) Plot
• How to Raise the Stakes
• How to Build Suspense
• How to Write Dialogue
• How to Write with Style
• Interviews with Writers

How to Describe a House

Domingo Martinez’s memoir, The Boy Kings of Texas , was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Describing a house in a story ought to be easy. After all, real estate listings do it every day: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. For poetic purposes, maybe throw in a window and chair. Of course, more is needed—but is that  more simply more detail?

One of the best examples of a house description that I’ve read in a long time comes from the first chapter of  The Boy Kings of Texas . Domingo Martinez’s memoir tells the story of his family and growing up in Brownsville, Texas. It was a bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. You can  read the opening pages   at the website of The Diane Rehm Show..

How the Story Works

As a thought experiment, try describing the house or apartment where you live. (Seriously, give it a try.)

What happened? Odds are, you started with the property listings and then got stumped. A good description requires some organizational principle, and until you find it, you’re just listing things.

The house that Martinez describes belonged his father’s stepuncle. The two families did not get along, as Martinez explains here:

Elogio and his four sons clearly felt that Dad and his family did not belong in the Rubio barrio, since Gramma had married into the barrio when Dad was already four years old, a child from another man. Elogio was our Grampa’s usurping younger brother, and he wanted control of the family trucking business that Grampa had built. As Grampa’s stepson, Dad challenged Elogio’s succession. It was a Mexican parody of Shakespeare, in the barrio, with sweat-soaked sombreros and antiquated dump trucks.

That tension is important because it informs the way Martinez describes the Rubios’ house, property, and near-feral dogs:

The Rubios had kept these dogs unfed, unloved, and hostile. Presumably it was to keep burglars away from their prototypical barrio home: a main house, built by farmhands many years before, with subsequent single-room constructions slapped together according to the needs of the coming-of-age males and their knocked-up wetback girlfriends. As such, the houses were consistently in varying stages of construction and deconstruction, because the boys never left home; they just brought their illegitimate children and unhappy wives along for the only ride they knew, the one that headed nowhere.

Notice the word choices:  slapped ,  knocked-up ,  wetback , illegitimate, unhappy.  They’re all negative.

Now, think about what other words Martinez could have described the house (or the words that a Realtor would use):  big, hand-built ,  rambling ,  homey ,  comfortable . But those words would be totally out-of-place in this passage. Because Martinez has clearly defined his feelings toward the inhabitants of the house, the tone of the description is established. Once you’ve got the tone, the actual descriptions tend to present themselves automatically. The trick is to give your brain some guidelines. You’re not asking it to pull up every single detail about a place, just a few. The more clearly (and, usually, more emotionally) you define the guidelines, the easier it is to write the description.

It’s also worth noting that the description of the Rubios’ house is connected inextricably to the people who live in it. The main two sentences about the shape and construction of the house (beginning with Presumably… and  As such… ) end with the human rationale for the construction decisions ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys never left home ). The behavior and the needs of the family shape not only the house but the description of the house as well.

The Writing Exercise

Let’s describe a house or apartment (or wherever you or a character lives) using the passage from  The Boy Kings of Texas  by Domingo Martinez as a model:

• Choose your narrator or main character. If it’s you—good. If it’s a character in a story—also good. You need a primary perspective, a lens through which to view the house and everything else.
• Choose the house and its inhabitants.  Who lives there? How are they connected to your narrator or main character?
• Identify the emotional angle on the house. How does the narrator or character feel about the house or the people living in it? Don’t think too hard; just brainstorm. Does the character have warm feelings? Is the character bitter, disappointed, angry, nostalgic, sad? Are the first memories or scenes that come to mind funny? Tragic? Tense?
• Write a quick scene/anecdote that illustrates that emotion. Focus the scene or story on a character or two and a particular moment in time. Remember, the goal is to tell a story that conveys how you or your character feels about the place.
• Generalize about the people who live in the house (or spend time there).  This can be as simple as writing a sentence that begins, “They were the kind of people who…”
• Generalize how the people  used the   house.  Did they use in a communal way (everyone eating, talking, hanging out together)? Did they isolate themselves into rooms? Did they come and go at odd hours? What sort of activities did they do there? Keep in mind the sort of people you are (previous step). If they’re the sort of people who ____, that means they spent a lot of time _____, which really made me/your character feel ______.
• Generalize how the house was a perfect/imperfect fit for these activities and these people. Did the house allow the people to do the activities? Were the people cramped? Did the people modify the house in order to do the things they wanted to do? In what ways did they modify their own behavior to fit the house?
• Describe the house.  You’ve probably already written a few lines about the house. Now you’re summing them up. You might start with a sentence about the people: They were the kind of people who _____ or They spent a lot of time _____. Or, you can jump straight to the house with a sentence like this: It was the sort of house that _____ or It was a typical _____ house. Your goal is to write a description of the house that focuses on the ways it was used, the ways it fit a type of behavior, or the ways it shaped the inhabitants’ behavior. Keep in mind the cue words and phrases that Martinez uses ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys ). How can you describe the house in terms of causality?

As you likely know, people’s houses tend to become manifestations of their personality traits. The goal, then, is to write a description of a house that is as active as the people who live in it.

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Tags: character development , creative writing exercises , creative writing prompts , describing setting and place , Domingo Martinez , Hispanic literature , How to Write a Personal Essay , Texas literature , The Boy Kings of Texas

• Comments 9 Comments
• Categories Character Development , Setting and Place

9 Responses to “How to Describe a House”

This was very informative and very helpful! I look forward to trying these tips out very soon.

Thanks! Let me know how it goes.

Cool tips for writers like me. It’s really hard to describe a house in a story if you want to make it real for your readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

wow. great tips for bloggers like me. You did a great job on writing this post. I was impressed by your ideas.

Please I nedd help .

Please how can i become a writer

I like this

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The old House - Creative writing.

Kaycee Groves

The old House

In the Western Part of Virginia, America, an old tattered house, sadly sat waited for a visitor. A year and then two past but still no one visited the sad lonely house. But on a cold September Night, a man with his dog came across the old lonely house. The man glanced into the woods, and noticed the old house in the distance. The trees were swaying backward and forward that surrounded the full moon in the sky. The man and his dog slowly walked across toward the house; where the old house cried for attention. The old house sat patiently in the dark windy woods. The loud sound of ‘hooting’ from the owls distracted the man walking toward the house. The old house got angry and was no longer patient. Thunder and rain fell from the dark sky; and crashed down into the woods. The man anxiously looked around with paranoia like an American soldier in Vietnam. The man looked for his dog but was she was no were to be seen. The man ran toward the house.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Through the trees, the man entered the house’s territory. The war had begun. He fell into the mud with his face drenched with soil and water. The storm stopped. At last they were face to face; the house stared at the man. The man slowly looked up towards the house like a puppy that has just wet itself. The night sky was lit up with tiny candles. The man wiped the mud off his face like if he was a criminal unmasking himself. The moon was just visible over the roof of the house, light shined into his face like a torch revealing his face. The mans face was like an old soggy newspaper. The old house looked at the man not knowing what to do. The man got up and picked up a shovel by the house and he held it underneath his arm like a gun. The man climbed up the old wooden stair. The old wooden house’s defence was low, and he kicked the broken doors in revealing the house’s secrets. The enemy was in.

The moon disappeared into the sky. Dark clouds blanketed the wet house drying it like a towel. The man inside looked around seeing nothing but an empty rooms. The sound of footsteps entered the room; the man had big old army boots on. The house was quiet but ‘scared’. However the man was terrified, he looked around anxiously with his long hair caught in his face like glue. His clothes were all wet with his green trousers all covered in mud, and his leather jacket that looked like it had been chewed by his dog.

Crows sat on top of the house. The wind became strong; the window blinds Banged and Crashed. The water was brushed off the roof of the house that watered corpses by the window. Inside the house the man heard the noise. It was from a small room by the watered window. The room was dark and dusty, the floorboards was broken. He heard a soft and quiet sound of humming of the song ‘You are my Sunshine’. The man slowly entered the room. He smiled and slowly put the rusty shovel down by the door. It was a little girl sitting, facings towards the wall. He asked the girl what she was doing here, she didn’t reply, but kept on humming the song ‘You are my Sunshine’. The sound of the old grandfather clock struck twelve midnight. He looked around, he saw masks. Masks of humans, faces of humans, the flesh decomposing on head stands. The man was span around seeing people’s body on the wall, arms and legs that had rotted and the stench was like milk that had gone off.

The man screamed to the girl: “let’s get out of here”.

He grabbed her, she turned around. Her face was filled with rooting flesh and blood, and her eyes were all white. Her face crinkled up revealing her inside of her mouth. Her teeth, rotted in blood like the house is in the woods. The man stared at the girl screamed. The crows flew away with their wings brushing in the wind. Now just the sound of the clock that struck twelve midnight filled the sound in the air.

In the Western Part of Virginia the tattered old house, sadly sat and waited for another, unsuspecting visitor...

Document Details

• Word Count 750
• Subject English

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Creative Writing -The forbidding House!!!

Original Writing Coursework - The Old House.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Description Entry: Haunted House (inside)

May 23, 2009 by BECCA PUGLISI

Sight Dust, cobwebs, sheets on furniture, broken tables, chairs, windows, lamps, peeling wallpaper, gaps in the floorboards, holes in the walls, flickering lights (if there’s electricity) chandelier with broken strings of crystals, broken glass on the floor, spiders, cockroaches, rust, mildew, ripped curtains, shadows, gloomy staircases, old portraits & paintings, cracked…

footsteps on the stair, creaking doors, window shutters rattling on the outside, wind scattering/rustling paper through a broken window gap, words whispered in ear, screams, crying, wailing, laughter, glass smashing, the scrap of a chair moving, the scritch of tree branches scraping at the windows, rats squeaking, movement in the walls, a…

Phantom perfume or cologne, burning smells, pipe or cigarette smoke, mildew, rot, dank, rusty or metallic smells, wet wood and stone, rancid breath, yeasty beer smell, food, dust, dry rot, rat/mice feces, urine

Sour & dry mouth from fear, dust floating in the air and coating the tongue, salty tears

A phantom hand on the shoulder, the puff of breath on the earlobe or the back of the neck, the sensation of being grabbed on the arm, pushed, pulled, pinched, poked, slapped, burned, a feeling of light-headedness and nausea, hair rising on arms or the back of the neck, the body’s reaction to a drop in temperature (chills, shivering, breath puffing out…

Helpful hints:

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1:  I cringed at each creak on the old warped stairs, but it didn’t sway my determination to make it to the bedroom on the second floor. Halfway up, a shadow flickered at the corner of my vision. I froze, and as I stood there, caught a woody scent lingering in the air. Tobacco smoke? A shiver curled through the hairs on the back of my neck then cascaded down my backbone. It was all I could do to not hurl myself back down the stairs toward the front door…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: (Metaphor ) The dining room chair suddenly jolted back and tilted toward me, a gracious invitation by an invisible host…

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers.

Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict, people commonly found in these locales, and setting-specific notes and tips, and the collection itself has been augmented to include a whopping 230 entries—all of which have been cross-referenced with our other thesauruses for easy searchability. So if you’re interested in seeing this powerful Setting Thesaurus , head on over and register at One Stop.

On the other hand, if you prefer your references in book form, we’ve got you covered, too, because both books are now available for purchase in digital and print copies. In addition to the entries, each book contains instructional front matter to help you maximize your settings. With advice on topics like making your setting do double duty and using figurative language to bring them to life, these books offer ample information to help you maximize your settings and write them effectively.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

May 14, 2021 at 1:51 pm

creepy…

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October 21, 2020 at 7:01 pm

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March 20, 2021 at 6:59 am

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December 3, 2019 at 2:51 pm

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March 31, 2021 at 11:41 pm

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November 18, 2019 at 1:32 pm

This is so helpful for everyone . People can use them in essays while describing a haunted house .

November 10, 2020 at 5:43 pm

That is exactly what i used it for

November 11, 2019 at 7:02 am

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November 11, 2019 at 10:42 am

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July 1, 2019 at 6:21 pm

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May 25, 2019 at 11:22 am

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January 28, 2019 at 11:34 am

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November 11, 2018 at 4:21 am

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October 24, 2018 at 1:23 pm

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October 23, 2018 at 10:49 am

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October 25, 2019 at 12:17 pm

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November 9, 2017 at 5:32 pm

It Game Some Ideas What To Write

April 4, 2017 at 1:37 pm

Its just awesome because I get a idea to write it in my suspense story??

March 19, 2017 at 11:49 am

thanks alot it really helped me in my suspense story writing and it did really gave me some ideas to write it thanks 😉

December 3, 2016 at 8:15 am

Thank you very much. This is helpful to do my English HW. Zabit Khwaja

September 12, 2018 at 2:01 pm

October 25, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Thank you !! This has really helped me to do my homework and to inspire me for different t ideas.

October 6, 2016 at 9:45 am

this helped me do my English course thank u sooo much

September 1, 2011 at 9:32 am

this is awesome! 😀 helped me do my coursework for English! thanks a lot 😀

October 14, 2010 at 8:47 pm

this story is awsome i want to read another one.

September 16, 2010 at 12:48 pm

Thanks Aloot It Helped Me In My English Homework:) But I Think It Would Be Better If There Were More Examples Of Haunted Houses:D x

April 3, 2010 at 4:53 pm

this has helped me a great deal with my story for my English class 🙂

May 27, 2009 at 11:34 am

I love the image of the child riding a phantom rocking horse — very effective.

May 25, 2009 at 11:48 pm

This one was so fun to do. There are so many unusual settings to explore–stay tuned!

May 24, 2009 at 6:08 pm

You gals cover some of the greatest topics!!! Hope you can get these out in book form soon or eventually! Keep up the good work!

May 24, 2009 at 7:21 am

I can hear the wind moaning around corners…whhoooooooooowhoooooo.

May 24, 2009 at 7:14 am

Fantastic! Thanks!

May 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Gives me the shivers too. =)

May 23, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Gives me shivers just reading it. 😉

Author, teacher, coach, geek

February 19, 2016

44 Ways to Describe Buildings–Homes I

For the next few months, weekly writing tips will include word choice suggestions. That includes:

• colorful and original descriptions
• pithy words and phrases
• picture nouns and action verbs
• writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice

After taking some advice from Crawford Home Buyers , I keep a  collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books.

It’s amazing how skilled writers can use just a few carefully chosen words to transport readers into the world of their story, capturing their attention and making them want to stay. While some authors might focus on describing homes in detail, others might take a different approach, relying on powerful imagery and sensory details to evoke a mood or feeling. No matter your writing style, it’s important to find a way to connect with your readers and draw them in. When it comes to bridging the gap between planning institutions and entrepreneurs, one useful resource is  https://netivey-hakama.co.il/ . This service produces professional content and promotes the transformation of licensing into a profession with required training and education, helping to connect planners and authorities with the wider community and promoting effective collaboration.

A note: These are for inspiration only . They can’t be copied because they’ve been pulled directly from an author’s copyrighted manuscript (intellectual property is immediately copyrighted when published).

• Fair-sized house built of red Lyons Sandstone with the most god-awful-looking picket fence I’d ever seen.
• Small upstairs apartment on Newport Island, a tiny piece of land accessible only by a bridge so narrow, it would admit just one car at a time.
• The weather-beaten slat cottage sat at the far end of a mostly brown lawn. Wood silvered by the sun. Roof shingles warped. Small stands of plantain and giant bird-of-paradise for privacy. Despite the weathered appearance of the slat cottage, there was hope for its revival thanks to the services of a reliable local company specializing in affordable roofing solutions. If you too wish to safeguard your home against the elements and enhance its aesthetic appeal, going for this local company is the answer. Their dedication to quality and affordability ensures that your roof not only withstands weather challenges but also adds to the charm of your dwelling. With their assistance, the weather-beaten cottage could regain its former glory, proving that a reliable roofing projects can breathe new life into any home.
• Rambling old farm house
• Gleamed with the spotless silence of for-company-only.
• He leaned on the old boards. They felt thin and veined, frozen by a hundred winters, baked by a hundred summers. They smelled of dust and age. A big house from buy houses syracuse ny , the kind in which most American kids dreamed of growing up. Secluded among trees on one of DC’s most exclusive streets, it had turrets, gables, dormers, balconies, a screened-in front porch, a free-standing garage, a gazebo, a pool, formal gardents, the American dream.
• Sturdy two-story residence designed without the least imagination
• A set of sagging wooden steps descended three treads from the door

Contact an Industrial Cleaning Services provider if you’re managing an industrial facility or planning to sell a commercial property.

• A room barely big enough to exhale into
• A room that showed her lack of interest in anything to do with what people thought of her
• Small with clean white walls, a twin bed, a desk with a blank blotter on it, sliding closets opposite the bed, and thin green shag carpet. Or make a call to Zerorez to do this job professionally.
• My Writing Area: My computer faces out the window. I like having the sky and buildings in the background. Occasionally a bird or plane flies by in the distance. To my far left is my 42″ flatscreen TV (size does matter), which often displays my daily dose of CNN or Grey’s Anatomy. Next to that is my Buddhist altar, which I need to make better use of. To my right is a framed poster displaying a poem of mine that had been on Chicago buses and trains. And to the far right is a black and white picture of Grand Central Station with wide beams of light gushing in through the windows. The beams look like they are about to make the commuters levitate at any minute and float skyward. A single light burned, casting light on a chintz couch and an antique Quaker chair
• Improvised kitchenette off to one side
• Walls and ceilings were covered with mirrors, a high-tech bordello.
• Furnishings were cheap, black-painted. A worn mustard-yellow bean-bag chair, a relic of the seventies. An old tape deck and a towering set of speakers whose cloth was fraying
• A front door that could accommodate a family of giraffes.
• A foyer that would accommodate the Serengeti Plant at the foot of a vast curving staircase that probably went to heaven
• Polished wood floors and a graceful banister that curved up toward a soaring second floor gallery.
• Persian rug cove red a shopworn carpet.
• Prints of gentlemen riding to hounds decorate the walls.
• Crumbling rock walls
• Beautiful high arched windows
• Velvet drapes framed the windows, the lace inner curtains remained drawn, allowing daylight to enter while rendering the heart-stopping view over the city a blur
• bay windows
• two tall windows allowed sunlight to flood the room
• the windows flanked a grey fabric sofa, burgundy throw
• sheer lace curtains bordered by heavy burgundy drapes matching

Click for the complete list of 70 69 writer’s themed descriptions .

Most popular collections:

51 Great Similes to Spark Imagination

How to Describe Nature

178 Ways to Describe Women’s Clothing

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Woodrant New Member

Help with describing a house.

Discussion in ' Setting Development ' started by Woodrant , Nov 4, 2020 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); My story is from the pov of a female lead, and around 10 chapters in she moves into a new, fully furnished house but I'm not sure what to do next. Around 70% of the story takes place in the house, so should I have her look around and describe the layout, all of the rooms and everything in them all at once or should she take it slow and describe things throughout the story as they come into it? Also because the house is new to her and the reader, how much does she have to describe and how much detail should she go into? Any help would be greatly appreciated  

Maddy Knight Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Don't overkill right off. Have her walk in the door, and explain her first impressions. Space, light, is it modern or old and cozy? Shabby chic? Does it fit her personality and what we alread know about her? Perfect fit so to speak? Not always, but my experience has been that the females always want to see the bedroom and the bath first. If the bath is well it and clean, and the bedroom feel 'nesty' it's a big step forward. As she learnes the house, intro certain things she sees, maybe gazes at. She'll go into the kitchen and check out the cupboard space. Always! Just don't do all of this at once in a big 'ol info dump. Don't forget the exterior. Is this first person?  

DriedPen Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Like Maddy says, do not overdo it with an information dump too quick. You want to make the reader feel emotion, so a way you can do that is try and work in the two powerhouses of senses, taste and smell. Just small lines of either one of those will really make the reader feel like they are in there with the woman character as she looks about the house. Out of curiosity , she swung a door open on one of the kitchen cabinets, and saw her distorted reflection in the stainless steel of a mixing bowl hanging on the inside of the door. Oblong with a lip, it reminded her of her mothers mixing bowls; of brownies being made, and the the sound of her spoon scraping the last morsels of batter as she licked the bowl clean. You do not have to describe an entire kitchen to the reader; with two sentences I brought memories of childhood flooding back, and they picture their mother's house at age 8 with the smells and tastes of brownies being made... Or you could add contrast too with a short, powerhouse of a sentence. By that I mean, if its an old house, who would not remember... ' Yes, it is fully furnished, but an older house still", she thought, as she happened to step on a floorboard by the bathroom door. Feeling it flex under her weight, she heard the distinctive metallic click, as the latch on the bathroom door fell away, and the door crept open. But even if the house is brand new and fully furnished, you could give the house a flaw. Two-thirds of the way down the hallway, she stepped, and thought she heard a floorboard creak. She stepped back, then stepped again, and yet...there it was again. 'Odd,', she thought, 'and on a brand new house too, but no matter', as she moved to the bedroom... These sentences are all quite relatable to most readers, so they identify their experiences with houses, to this house, and so you do not have to describe every detail of it. They are already filling in the blanks.  

Thundair Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); As a male reader, I would want to know what kind of house it was. Craftsman, maybe ranch, or bungalow would give me a better vision of the inside. Like with the hallway in DriedPen’s third comment, I would guess it is a ranch style.  

Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Is there something out of the ordinary about the house? If not, I don't see much reason to describe it at all. Everyone knows what a house is and looks like... what bathrooms and kitchens do. Unless it's like The Shining where the domicile is nearly a character, I'm not sure how the layout would matter much.  

Vince Higgins Curmudgeon. Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); I take something of a que from writers like James Paterson and Janet Evonovich. My wife eats that stuff up. I've never finished anything by either, but have read some, and know both appeal to women. What I noticed is that whenever a character is introduced, a big part of the development is elaborate descriptions of what they are wearing. A woman entering a furnished space would likeley view ot with a very critical eye. She will either love it, or hate it. try working it from that angle.  

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Maddy Knight said: ↑ Don't overkill right off. Have her walk in the door, and explain her first impressions. Space, light, is it modern or old and cozy? Shabby chic? Does it fit her personality and what we alread know about her? Perfect fit so to speak? Not always, but my experience has been that the females always want to see the bedroom and the bath first. If the bath is well it and clean, and the bedroom feel 'nesty' it's a big step forward. As she learnes the house, intro certain things she sees, maybe gazes at. She'll go into the kitchen and check out the cupboard space. Always! Just don't do all of this at once in a big 'ol info dump. Don't forget the exterior. Is this first person? Click to expand...

JLT Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Thundair said: ↑ As a male reader, I would want to know what kind of house it was. Craftsman, maybe ranch, or bungalow would give me a better vision of the inside. Like with the hallway in DriedPen’s third comment, I would guess it is a ranch style. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); I didn’t mean to divide the genders. I was thinking of setting the scene before she felt thought or had an impression. Gender aside, I think the vision of a reader would be from his/her background and setting the scene would help that vision. I’m starting to ramble, so I’ll just say—to me it would be a part of setting the scene. ETA Welcome to the OP  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Didn't take it that way. Jus' so other readers know that there are a lot of chicks out there who love architectre, chicks who totally dig classic cars, and like to watch giant men knock the crap out of each other on the football field. They can build a stone bench as good or better than any dude. And if they also write, that will show up in their books. It would be an interesting test to see if one can guess the sex of a writer just by reading the first two or so pages.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Maddy Knight said: ↑ The house pictured is a 1920s-1930s Craftsman bungalow, is it not? Maybe a little earlier? 1910? Many of these homes could be purchased via the Sears catalog, along with a car in the drive. There are whole neighbourhoods of these Sears homes. And they are very cozy! Judging from the landscaping, I am tempted to say that this home is in California. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); DriedPen said: ↑ I have a couple of different houses, and while every style of them is different, my favorite for stories/novels however, is the foursquare. Well, as long as I do not need anything specific that is. I like it because it is easily recognizable by readers so you do not have to go into a lot of details to describe it, and it fits within the time period if 1890 to today, and fits almost any neighborhood in America. My foursquare house happens to be an Aladdin, but it could be a Sears easily enough. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); The Craftsman house is pretty rare where I live, which is why I do not really have an opinion on the house type. I mean, they are nice, and I have seen several of them, and would buy one if the price was right. I just like the foursquare because by its very title, a reader can understand its basic shape. I would not use this type of house for my main character if the character was in their house a lot in the story. I say that because a log home, or a timber frame, sets an unwritten tone for a characters personality, as an example. Where as a person living in an RV park in a camper also does. I used a foursquare in my current work in progress, because my character goes into his sisters house to talk with his ex-wife in one chapter. I did not need an elaborate house, just a house, and yet it is the conversation in this setting that is important, and not the scene, so a foursquare is perfect for that need. Without a lot of description, I can have the character in a house that is rather nondescript, but one the reader easily envisions. For me, the foursquare is perfect for that, but the Craftsman House would be as well. (Not that it matters, but for my main house, I live in a Timber Frame).  

GraceLikePain Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); I recommend not going into too much detail of the house unless you know actual real world details. Like a colonial versus a split-level. Same with interiors. Pick out brand names, if your character is the sort of person who would notice them. A reader won't enjoy a plain description of a house unless you're showing them something they didn't already know. Also, for the rooms, pick two or three items that are important, describe them well, and then let the reader's imagination fill in the blanks. Readers have imaginations. You don't have to go into every nook and cranny of a room.  

Partridge Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); I would think carefully about the feel of the house, and how you can describe it most efficiently. For example, my MC flat (this is a book written in the first person) was described as a "slick, highly appointed bachelor pad - or it would have been twenty years ago." From there I could fill in little details to give some character, such as the Hi-Fi system from the 1989, the deep pile carpet in the bedroom and ash tray flooded with rainwater on the balcony.  

deadrats Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); Woodrant said: ↑ My story is from the pov of a female lead, and around 10 chapters in she moves into a new, fully furnished house but I'm not sure what to do next. Around 70% of the story takes place in the house, so should I have her look around and describe the layout, all of the rooms and everything in them all at once or should she take it slow and describe things throughout the story as they come into it? Also because the house is new to her and the reader, how much does she have to describe and how much detail should she go into? Any help would be greatly appreciated Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); deadrats said: ↑ You don't need to have your character look around to describe or include details of the house. I recommend skipping the act of "looking around." That's a pretty boring action and an unnecessary filter regardless of the POV. Have something more interesting happen that calls for details of the house to be revealed. And if nothing is calling for those details to come into play, they might not really be needed in the story. Click to expand...

IasminDragon Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); "It was a mistake to think of houses, old houses, as being empty. They were filled with memories, with the faded echoes of voices. Drops of tears, drops of blood, the ring of laughter, the edge of tempers that had ebbed and flowed between the walls, into the walls, over the years. Wasn't it, after all, a kind of life? And there were houses, he knew it, that breathed. They carried in their wood and stone, their brick and mortar a kind of ego that was nearly, very nearly, human." Oh, that was Nora Roberts. That works for old houses nicely I think and makes me wonder how you would describe a new house in similar terms. "That was terrible and overwritten." There, I said it now you don't have to. And now I respectfully disagree with that sentiment. That should save some time.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); IasminDragon said: ↑ "It was a mistake to think of houses, old houses, as being empty. They were filled with memories, with the faded echoes of voices. Drops of tears, drops of blood, the ring of laughter, the edge of tempers that had ebbed and flowed between the walls, into the walls, over the years. Wasn't it, after all, a kind of life? And there were houses, he knew it, that breathed. They carried in their wood and stone, their brick and mortar a kind of ego that was nearly, very nearly, human." Oh, that was Nora Roberts. That works for old houses nicely I think and makes me wonder how you would describe a new house in similar terms. "That was terrible and overwritten." There, I said it now you don't have to. And now I respectfully disagree with that sentiment. That should save some time. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); What if you did both? I walked into an old house one time an on the closet door, under a layer of whitewash it said, "Haskell lived here with 13 kids, what do you think of that" in kids penmanship? Today upcycling is all the rage. I have a new home, but I have a REAL barnboard wall in my bathroom from our old sawmill. What if you described her finding a scrawled note like I did on the upcycled barnboards that were installed as an accent wall in her kitchen? It is a little harder to pull off, but I am sure you are up for the challenge as a writer. Think of it as a wedding where the bride has "something borrowed old, something new, something borrowed, something discovered that was scrawled on on all barn wood wall?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_1710b583246f83d0219ddcb0b90f37ca'); }); If a room is singular in its impact on the visitor ... the ashes in the hearth, the portraits of long dead children on the wall, the unmistakeable tang of old cigarette smoke, the creak of the floor as you step on it ... by all means put that description into the story, if it's important to the character. That quote from Nora Roberts reminds me of that song that Peter, Paul, and Mary put on their "Album 1700" It was writtten by Noel Paul Stookey (the "Paul" of PP&M) and H Bannard Robert. Waylon Jennings covered it, too.  

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — House — Short Story: “The Abandoned House”

Description of an Abandoned House: a Short Story

• Categories: House Short Story

About this sample

Words: 759 |

Published: Feb 12, 2019

Words: 759 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• Poe, E. A. (1849). The Fall of the House of Usher. Wiley and Putnam.
• Lovecraft, H. P. (1927). The Colour Out of Space. Amazing Stories, 2(6), 447-480.
• King, S. (1977). The Shining. Doubleday.
• Jackson, S. (1959). The Haunting of Hill House. Viking Press.
• Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones.
• Matheson, R. (1954). I Am Legend. Gold Medal Books.
• Stoker, B. (1897). Dracula. Archibald Constable and Company.
• Straub, P. (1979). Ghost Story. Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.
• Morrison, T. (1987). Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Shelley, M. (1831). The Last Man. Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley.

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old house - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

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The old house is the sanity of these hills, the ever present home amid such change. I can remember each brick for as far back as my memory goes, touch them, feel the texture that has greeted strong summers and hail stones with such dignity. How I love the blue door, some years weather worn and in others sporting a shiny new coat, and imagine its pride in showing the countryside it is still loved. In my daydreams I sit by it in a wicker chair listening to the village, of the chattering wildlife around. I imagine that it is my home, that the calling of the years somehow takes me there.

The old house grew from the ground as an ancient seed of the hills born to blossom.

The old house was golden stone in golden light and was as splendid as a new spring flower in all weathers.

The old house with its centuries settled foundations brought feeling of welcome to the landscape.

The old house was the best of weathered antiques having hugged that lane from days of horses to days of solar horse-power.

The old roof had protected the house over the ages and would do so for many-a-time to come.

The old house brought the perspective of passing years in a world that had accelerated beyond sense.

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The GSAL Journal

Passion, Curiosity & Creativity

An Old-fashioned Room

Oliver – Year 7 Student

Editor’s Note : Students were asked to complete the following creative writing task under timed conditions: ‘Describe an old-fashioned room as suggested by the picture’. Oliver’s response demonstrates some truly fantastic writing. ADM

The room had a musty odour, evocative of grandparents’ houses – the type that makes you feel safe and cosy. It was lit dimly by a tall lamp in the corner with a green lamp shade decorated with light, undulating patterns, all but lost under a thick coat of dust. There was drab, vile, green wallpaper; dark green contrasting curtains; a wide, thin rug with tassels on. A wooden rocking chair sat in the corner, furnished with an old, dilapidated cushion. A small, coal fireplace graced one wall beneath was a white, marble mantelpiece. On top of the mantelpiece danced porcelain figurines and ornaments.

On walls hung portraits of long forgotten people, who looked about the room with a proprietorial air. There was a sofa against one wall – a bland, beige coloured lump, which looked as if it would be itchy if you sat on it. A pink doll’s house was pushed up against a wall and enveloped in dust. It looked sad and lonely, as if it knew it would never be played with again. Next to it sat a hobby horse with chewed-looking ears, missing its rocker.

If you looked out of the ornate window, you would see an overgrown jungle of a garden: brambles and an oak tree with branches like twisted fingers and gnarled, twisted roots protruding from the ground like snakes.

This was my home, all those years ago.

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The student-led academic journal of the Grammar School at Leeds, showcasing passion, curiosity and creativity. Also on X @gsaljournal - we would love to hear from you! View all posts by thegsaljournal

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Descriptive and creative writing lessons - describing an attic

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Other

Last updated

22 February 2018

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Writing the Cityscape: Narratives of Moscow since 1991

This thesis considers how continuity and transformation, the past and the future, are inscribed into the cityscape. Drawing on Roland Barthes’ image of the city as ‘a discourse’ and Michel de Certeau’s concept of the Wandersmänner, who write the city with their daily movements, this thesis takes urban space as both a repository of, and inspiration for, narratives. In few cities is the significance of writing narratives more visible than in Moscow. In the 1930s, it was conceived as the archetypal Soviet city, embodying the Soviet Union’s radiant future. Since the deconstruction of this grand narrative and the fall of the Soviet Union, competing ideas have flooded in to fill the void. With glass shopping arcades, a towering new business district, and reconstructed old churches, Moscow’s facelift offers only part of the picture. A number of other visions have been imprinted onto the post-Soviet city: nostalgic impulses for the simplicity of old Moscow; the search for a new, stable, powerful centre; desires for luxury, privatized gated communities; and feelings of abandonment in the grey, decaying, sprawling suburbs. Following an overview of recent changes to Moscow’s topography, these four major themes are investigated through the prism of post-Soviet Russian literature. Retro-detective fiction offers insight into nostalgia for the past and the temporal layers that build up the palimpsestic cityscape. Descriptions of Moscow after the apocalypse shed light on the city’s traditional concentric structure and the concomitant symbolism of hierarchy. Glamour literature challenges this paradigm by focusing on the gated community, a topographical form that splinters the city. Images of the supernatural and the Gothic lead to an alternative vision of the hybrid city, embracing multiplicity. In this way, fictional works defy the physical world’s constraints of time and space, revealing a kaleidoscope of different perspectives on post-Soviet Muscovite experiences.

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• A Literary Tour Of Moscow

A Literary Tour of Moscow

It’s hard to count the exact number of great Russian writers who showed their love for Moscow. The city has attracted and prompted stories for a long time now, inspiring many to express their writing talent. Thus, Moscow’s literary sights are fully deserving of our attention, and this guide gladly presents you six of them, from museums to apartments.

Nikolay gogol museum.

Library, Museum

The State Museum of Mayakovsky

Turgenev's Family House

Novodevichy Cemetery

Cemetery, Monastery, Museum

The Apartment of Dostoevsky

Building, Memorial, Museum

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The Mikhail Bulgakov Museum

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Save up to $1,200 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

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