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What Are the Different Types of Front Yard Courtyards?

By Elizabeth West
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 9,221
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Originating with communal dwellings going as far back as 3000 BC, courtyards are usually enclosed by walls and buildings. Even small houses can have inviting front yard courtyards. They may contain gardens and fountains or a simple patio where homeowners and apartment dwellers can sit and relax. With the addition of outdoor furniture and fixtures, the courtyard may double as an extension of the home.

The main characteristic of front yard courtyards is enclosure – either with fencing or walls, sometimes hedges. Most are open to the sky, though some may have a roof that can make the yard dark unless window openings are cut into the walls. This might be an ideal setup in a hotter climate, where both ventilation and shade are desirable. The purpose of enclosure is privacy, shielding the entry from the street and allowing a buffer zone between the house and traffic noise.

Front yard courtyards are almost always paved in some way. Flagstones, concrete paving blocks or even bricks may be used, depending on the design. A simple patio floor can be a uniform surface, or ground cover may be planted in between stones. Colored gravel is probably more economical but will have to be replenished as people walk on it. If homeowners plan to use the courtyard for entertaining, a solid surface that is less prone to causing falls is a better choice.

Those with a green thumb may wish to have front yard courtyards that double as gardens. Plant nurseries carry many lovely ornamental plants suitable for flowerbeds and there are even varieties of vegetable and fruit-bearing shrubs that do well in pots. Another way to naturalize the courtyard is to include vines and espaliers along the walls. A water feature such as a pond or fountain establishes an air of serenity. Benches around the garden provide a place to wait for someone or simply admire the greenery in the fresh air and relative privacy.

Entrances to front yard courtyards vary. A garden courtyard may have an archway made of iron or other structural material, or a pergola covered with vines or wisteria. The entrance may also be gated so the courtyard can be closed up at night for added security. In a very large home or commercial building, an indoor courtyard or foyer leading to a central patio-style area breaks up the expanse of a huge lobby. Seating can provide a pleasant waiting area for guests, or a serene place for employees to take a break.

Front yard courtyards can even become an extension of the home. If a backyard patio is impractical, the courtyard makes an excellent area for dining out. Beyond the traditional charcoal grill, outdoor kitchen appliances and fixtures may be installed. In ancient times, people used the courtyards of communal housing in this fashion. Modern apartment buildings often have a similar feature where the pool or a community facility is available for residents to gather and get to know their neighbors.

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Discussion Comments
By Animandel — On Nov 16, 2014

In place of walls and fences, certain types of plants can be planted to give you some privacy from the neighbors when you are outside. I have nothing against courtyards with stone walls and brick walls, except maybe the price. It can cost a small fortune to try to build a wall large enough to provide privacy for a decent size courtyard.

A plant that works really well is the privet plant. Planting these will be much less expensive than building a wall, and the privet plants grow so quickly and spread so quickly that you will have your natural fence in short time.

By Feryll — On Nov 16, 2014

My girlfriend and I recently moved into a new house, and we have almost an acre of land that goes with the property. This means we have plenty of space to landscape and create gardens and outdoor entertainment areas.

There is a built-in brick grill and fire place on the side of the house, and my girlfriend wants to set this up as an outdoor entertainment area and garden combination. One of the ideas she has is to use old doors to make an archway that serves as sort of an entrance to what would be a courtyard on the side of the house.

We don't really need a fence, since there are trees and scrubs that fence in that part of the house and make the side yard a private area.

By Sporkasia — On Nov 15, 2014

One of my favorite things to do when I am in Europe is to tour some of the many courtyards that are such a big part of the landscape of the older homes and buildings in countries like France and England.

In my opinion, the best courtyards are the ones that offer up little surprises along the way as you tour them. I really enjoy finding some hidden item or hidden section in the courtyards. They can be great places to get in touch with nature and relax.

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