We’ve all heard the call of the countryside, but let’s be real—what truly lures you in isn’t just the fresh air or the slow pace of life.
It’s those iconic farmhouse exteriors that seem to have it all: charm, character, and a bit of rugged beauty that can’t be replicated.
Whether it’s a coat of weathered paint or the sound of a creaky porch swing, these 10 farmhouse exterior features will have you packing your bags and heading straight for the open fields.
1. The Wraparound Porch (Because Who Needs Walls?)
If there’s one feature that immediately screams “farmhouse,” it’s the wraparound porch.
Not only does it give you an amazing view of your sprawling fields (or maybe just your neighbor’s surprisingly active goat), but it also provides the ultimate spot for people-watching, sipping iced tea, or daydreaming about being part of a rural documentary.
With rocking chairs, wicker furniture, and maybe even a porch swing that’s seen better days, this porch says, “Life’s slower here, and it’s glorious.”
2. The Classic White Exterior (Because Simple Never Goes Out of Style)
You can’t talk about farmhouse exteriors without mentioning the classic white paint job.
It’s timeless, it’s elegant, and it somehow makes even the most modest house look like a picture-perfect scene from an old-timey postcard.
The crisp white contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery and dirt roads, while also managing to give off a “we’re humble, but also we know how to make this look effortless” vibe.
Bonus points if the white paint is weathered just enough to give it that “we’ve been around for generations” charm.
3. Barn Doors (For the Ultimate Rustic Touch)
Barn doors aren’t just for barns anymore—they’ve made their way to the farmhouse exterior, and they’re here to stay.
These large, sliding doors are often used for garages or as entrance features and are perfect for adding a rustic flair to the home.
Made from wood with a weathered finish, they give your farmhouse the perfect touch of charm, making it feel like you’ve just stepped into a Western movie or, at the very least, a very fancy barnyard.
4. Exposed Brick (It’s Like Your House Is a Little Piece of History)
If you’re lucky enough to live in a farmhouse that’s been around for more than a couple of decades (or centuries), you might have a glorious interior with exposed brick.
This textured beauty is a subtle way of showing off your farmhouse’s history, character, and the many layers of charm it’s accumulated over time.
The brick can be left in its natural, earthy tones or painted over in a muted shade to blend seamlessly with the rest of the house.
Either way, exposed brick says, “We’ve been here a while, and we’ve got stories to tell.”
5. The Charming Gabled Roof (Because Who Doesn’t Want to Live in a Storybook?)
A gabled roof is a quintessential farmhouse feature that brings a whole new level of charm to the exterior.
These triangular roofs (with slopes on both sides) create a cozy, inviting shape that makes you want to curl up with a good book—or perhaps bake a pie, because that’s what people do in homes with gabled roofs, right?
Whether it’s sharp and angular or soft and sloping, a gabled roof makes your farmhouse look like something straight out of a fairy tale, minus the talking animals and magic spells.
6. Big, Bold Windows (So You Can Enjoy the View… and the Sunsets)
Farmhouses have big, beautiful windows that allow natural light to flood the interior and give you a front-row seat to those glorious countryside sunsets.
The kind of windows that let you stare out and wonder what life is like in the neighboring town, or maybe just observe the local wildlife as they go about their day.
Whether they’re single-paned or multi-paned, with shutters or without, farmhouse windows create a sense of openness and connection to the land outside.
7. The Red Barn (Because Every Farmhouse Needs a Barn, Right?)
Okay, so not every farmhouse has a barn, but the iconic red barn is definitely part of the farmhouse dream.
The red paint, which contrasts so beautifully with the greenery of the countryside, adds an undeniable pop of color to the landscape.
It’s a symbol of farm life, hard work, and a lot of hay. Even if you don’t have livestock (or a need for hay), having a barn on your property will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a family farm saga.
8. Wooden Shingles (For When You Want Your Home to Look Like It’s Made of Nature)
Wooden shingles are the perfect exterior feature if you want your farmhouse to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
These classic shingles, often made from cedar or other durable wood, give your home a rustic, textured look that works beautifully with the landscape.
Whether you keep them in their natural color or stain them to add some depth, these shingles are perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra “nature” to their home.
9. The Classic Porch Swing (Because What’s a Porch Without One?)
Every farmhouse worth its salt comes with a porch swing—because let’s face it, sitting on a porch without a swing is like having a house without windows.
This timeless piece of outdoor furniture adds that homey, relaxed feel that makes you want to stay on the porch all day.
It’s perfect for chatting with neighbors, enjoying a summer breeze, or just contemplating life as you gently rock back and forth, letting your cares drift away.
The best part? It’s an excellent excuse to wear pajamas all day, because who’s going to judge you when you’re on the porch swing, living your best slow-living life?
10. The Garden (Because You Can’t Have a Farmhouse Without Some Greenery)
What’s a farmhouse exterior without a garden full of life and color?
Whether it’s rows of sunflowers, a kitchen herb garden, or wildflowers that grow in a glorious explosion of color, a garden adds life to the farmhouse.
It gives your home a welcoming, lived-in feel, and it’s just the right touch for making your farmhouse look real.
A few potted plants by the front door or a full-fledged vegetable patch out back—either way, greenery is the final touch that makes your farmhouse exterior feel complete.