Old houses
Houses built prior to 1900 were really big.
This reflects a
high standard of living (contrary to what people were told). Commoners
had
large properties and gardens even in cities. This trend was not
isolated, it was worldwide, it applied where civilisation had extended.
France
is home to
approximately 40,000 châteaux (castles). Considering the estimated
population between 1700s and 1900s, that means 1 per 500 persons owned a
castle.Many more apart from the owner lived in such a structure (family,
staff). If we calculate a minimum of 10 for family and staff, then 1 and
50 persons lived in a castle.
France is not an isolated case. Large houses existed all across Europe. They were for a small family unit - a couple and at most their children, although most moved into their houses upon marriage.