Tan France Builds a Traditional English Tudor Home in Salt Lake City | Architectural Digest

Tan France is back with Architectural Digest for a new edition of 'Home at Last'. In today’s episode, the 'Queer Eye' star sets out to design the exterior of his Salt Lake City home. The vision? A traditional English Tudor-style home in the middle of Utah. Watch as Tan brings England’s historic styles stateside.
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[@smoothfoot8946]

as a fellow british person i have to applaud how well he has colonised this hill

[@ochirios1234]

😂

[@vunesa14]

😂😂😂

[@innocent_mng]

😂😂😂

[@ashas82]

😂😂

[@pauljohnson3584]

As a Utahn, watching this made feel sympathetic to Argentina.

[@1paradox]

Tan: "I don't know if I deserve it, but I sure do appreciate it." He's so sweet.

[@greggb681]

He is conceited and rude. To fake being humble is a corny way of being arrogant

[@nai110]

​@@greggb681"conceded"...?

[@greggb681]

@@nai110 Are you conceding to me?

[@nai110]

@@greggb681Are you acting like we can't all see the "(edited)" at the top of your comment after I pointed out your spelling?

[@greggb681]

Improper use of "()"

[@daniellebelisle2446]

Jaw on the floor. The construction, the craftsmanship, the landscaping, the greenhouse, the VIEW; it’s so personal and stunning.

[@MickeyMoe-mp1qx]

The view is stunning! Utah is one of the most beautiful places in the world, for sure!

[@miriammaciulis5488]

As I am here struggling to pay for my heating bill, I watch these people put in a heated driveway. KZbin can show you the world. Every faced of it.

[@danielconradie191]

I'd be less upset by the sheer excess had it been tastefully executed, and not some garish and painfully middle class interpretation of "what rich people must live like."

[@MusicByElena]

when they showed that I said, out loud, "a HEATED DRIVEWAY???"

[@KimTaehyung-u9p]

Cry about it.

[@Scram673]

That garden is using so much water in a state that has water wars.

[@Scram673]

Are the front steps heated? Because that’s a lot of stairs in the ice and snow.

[@SunnyGoesIn1D]

I love and appreciate that this is a longform series so much. The quality of the production, plus Tan and Rob, the effort and taste put into this… this was a late Christmas gift for me.

[@ayesha8809]

For us all

[@valarya]

I love that the contractor is wearing the one-of-a-kind custom Carhart jacket Tan gave him when they were in the Closet 🥰🥰

[@richardmogie2893]

Tan France builds a 1980s North American McMansion take on a 1930s English mock Tudor suburban house.

[@jj-if6it]

Yes!!

[@babyfather]

ding ding ding!

[@sh.4409]

Tan France complains about English people that lived in big houses he wanted to live in. English people are white. Wtf was he expecting them to be full of instead?

[@sabai.design]

should've had bobby berk consult 🙃

[@eattherich9215]

It's just so bizarre.

[@blanquina10]

already addicted to Tan and Rob France's house videos!! it is really a piece of art!

[@Sanity_Faire]

Are there more videos?

[@mioortiz8225]

@@Sanity_Faire yes go under AD or Tan France.

[@ec8687]

Tudor homes are my absolute favorite style homes. So traditional and beautiful.

[@ceciliamccrary1975]

Such an odd contrast between the backyard and the surrounding landscape on the hills...

[@joselovelife8636]

yeah its a blight on the surrounding environment I am sure.

[@jj-if6it]

Yeah it looks stupid

[@jlasf]

"Odd" is a polite word. Laughable. Inappropriate. Wrong-headed. Stupid.

[@andresmolano6276]

@@jj-if6it i thought i was the only one

[@alastairtheduke]

she used one square foot of the native grass lol

[@ginacrusco234]

I think the landscaping does actual violence to its surroundings. The whole complex is gouged out of a mountain to which it bears no relation. The only thing I can applaud is the artificial turf around the pool.

[@katella]

Applauding artificial turf! 🤦🏽🤷🏽

[@ginacrusco234]

@@katella Because, as they said, it does not require watering in a drought-prone region.

[@kadebishop6580]

Artificial turf, unfortunately, breaks down into microplastics which gets washed away and pollutes the water system.

[@asedition8847]

That is a beautiful yet totally tasteless monstrosity of a house.

[@marybabameto1195]

Honestly you captured exactly what I couldn't express, beautiful but soulless. The opposite of Frank Lloyd Wright's respect for authenticity and context of the enviornment.

[@nickb-]

Yes. This.

[@ellenritt7667]

You cannot love those kitchens.

[@wzupppp]

@@marybabameto1195 It needs time to age. You cannot buy age

[@brightgreenleaves]

A behind the scenes look of the OBSCENE amount of resources utilized to house a family of 4 🙁 makes me cry for our planet. But at least they created something beautiful with a lot of care that is hopefully built to last for generations.

[@amylindahl7822]

The next wealthy owners will, no doubt, remodel, replant, and "put their own stamp" on it. The house may last, but all the expensive finishes are not long for this world.

[@Amor_fati.Memento_Mori]

​@@patrick070 Sustainable for them to enjoy.

[@Amor_fati.Memento_Mori]

Cry louder.

[@haylcroz]

Welcome to the construction industry.

[@UHNWI777]

Reminds me of lottery winner stories when they’re leaving behind the trailer they grew up in and building what they perceive is the idea of a generational wealth estate 🙈

[@andrewsiskind8786]

Before I watched this video I didn't realize the uncanny valley applied to the design of houses. These faux distressed bricks are surreal.

[@katherinekelly4782]

SLC is in a mega drought. What a missed opportunity to reduce the property's water needs. Those arboretum will need so much water to get established and then through the heat of summer will need constant irrigation.

[@BradThePitts]

13:14 Apparently, the opposite is true.

[@DoingItOurselvesOfficial]

I’ve never seen a Tudor house like that in England.

[@eattherich9215]

That's because there is no such thing. That monstrosity is pure Tudor revival of the sort built by the titans of industry back in the day.

[@GilliMarieMoody]

Congrats to Mr. France. I am curious to see how the place holds up in an Utah locale. I think it’s too bad that little to no effort was made to incorporate the surrounding area. So, am truly glad that the gardens will have some sense of the Utah history. And… that turf looks so real (though, it will need cleaning the way a rug is cleaned). A heated driveway… well, 😃. (One caveat: the colour🔥 of the front door😳.) Cheers.

[@danielconradie191]

Disney Tudor.

[@ellenritt7667]

Oh sure. Lots of them.

[@toni4647]

what do you mean "it looks like it has always been here" lmao this house sticks the f out, doesn't look like it belongs at all

[@greggb681]

Watching this reminded me to stay humble ❤ When people like Tan France shows off their extremely expensive, over the top homes and then posts it online for the world to see just shows why celebrities are becoming a joke.

[@katella]

"becoming"?😂

[@lauriebriggs9705]

And yet here you are supporting this vlog with a comment.

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

it doesn't look or feel traditionally English, it's clearly a USA take on an English House but its still very nice.

[@BruceNotAmused]

looks like a mcmansion to me

[@hollykrupa6461]

British and grew up in an area with many Tudor homes and this is really close to what many look like, I think they did a great job!

[@poissonrouge5021]

@@hollykrupa6461 I feel like it's really close to a victorian/edwardian take on Tudor though, not really actual Tudor, which makes sense with one reference being Liberty's

[@jdos5643]

I see more English than American honestly.

[@nicolad8822]

@@hollykrupa6461Or do you mean the 1930s suburban take on “Tudor”

[@singgarden]

Artificial turf is always a no for me and looks bizarre in the fall and winter when it's obvious it's fake. Why not use clover or some other sort of low maintenance ground cover plant?

[@ummagumma21]

Water is scarce in Utah

[@ach4049]

because its their house and thats what THEY want

[@eattherich9215]

@@ummagumma21: then think of alternatives. The house is already fake, so why make it even worse with artificial turf?

[@sagefern14]

Clover typically doesn't do well here in Utah

[@maxtremaine1109]

"The grout? Yea. Mortar." Great characters in this series.

[@pietrobassosilva2379]

This is not the style for me personally but it looks incredibly well put together and designed. The details are really nice and you can tell that they really put a lot of time and attention into this. This whole series has been incredible. Really looking forward to the next chapters.

[@everausten]

I love how the pool feels like a water feature. The gardens are stunning. Adore the atrium. The tudor looks so authentic ✨

[@SylviaRodriguez-lx9em]

Tan, you need your own show. I would definitely watch.🥰 To all involved in this huge project👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@leoprg5330]

Wow, they could just move to LA, but they decided to build a heated driveway in Utah instead. These Utah homes are really some mansions. In my head Tan was like Watch out McGee, I am coming for you!

[@johnlosangeles]

Yes, they could have just bought and renovated a house in Hancock Park.... and be done with it in six months.

[@yeet-lj3dr]

rich people get to do whatever they want tho

[@Robertking1996]

3x the cost

[@MickeyMoe-mp1qx]

Shea is still much better though

[@ann11monster]

Heated driveways have been a thing in Utah for 30 years. Extremely common in park city

[@kitchenpug]

Why are the hydrangeas already dead? They need a lot of water and acid soil. I hope this garden survives.

[@jdos5643]

The gardens as Gorgeous as they are I’m sure will be cared for.

[@krissitaylor]

I came to the comments to say that lady knows nothing, saying the hydrangeas are drought tolerant??!! On what planet are they drought tolerant? Ha ha ha ha ha these people

[@birtew2996]

This is so stunningly hideous, it’s incredible.

[@lucadicriscio8182]

The reason the house looks Dinseyland is because theres not enough depth to the exterior. Everything is very smooth and shallow giving it a toylike look. I would say this does count as a failure on the architects part.

[@jj-if6it]

I'm not an architect but even I can see the facade is too perfect

[@leleprtk]

They did a phenomenal job, definitely a teamwork all around. Looks absolutely stunning, I can totally see falling in love with a house like this as a kid and wanting to pass by it every day

[@stephcd]

The decision to apply English Tudor skin onto McMansion bones in the foothills of SLC (already McMansion central), plant a high-water "english" garden in an arid desert climate, and go to every length possible to cosplay English countryside life in Utah is just laughably out of touch with reality. As a longtime resident of Utah living in SLC I'm disappointed but can't say I'm surprised--a simple drive through the mansion-spotted foothills of SLC proves the ethos of this build is not uncommon here. It's hilarious that despite the lengths it goes to reject everything about the local environment, this house ends up fitting in perfectly with every other gaudy palatial building on its hill.

[@pablosingman4304]

Preach.

[@ashleydawn343]

Someone's jealous...

[@tortepasti2]

@@ashleydawn343 Responding to well thought out critique by someone who knows the enviroment this house was build in with "jealousy" is the most out of touch comment I often have to read. You are probably as wealthy as the OC and AD will not gift you this house if you climb inside their behind, Ashley.

[@venom5809]

TLDR you can't afford it and you are jealous. LOL

[@divinodayacap3313]

​@@ashleydawn343 could be jealous of wealth but totally not jealous of this souless pretentious house

[@jimjimgl3]

Yet another McMansion parading as an authentic build. Would not be out of place in Disney World.

[@andreabontempo643]

Absolutely stunning! I can't believe how they brought those hedge trees in to hide that wall. Incredible. Great job on all of this.

[@RussellGSharp]

Straight pine wooden beams on the exterior are not 'traditional Tudor', they are 'mock Tudor'.....

[@guydavies5209]

Asphalt roof looks horrible. The house overall reads like a McMansion. An amazing architect makes all the difference.

[@jj-if6it]

Yes, I don't know if anyone else noticed the roof!

[@nathangreenberg3683]

Yes that is probably the biggest thing that makes it looks like a McMansion. A slate roof would be a fortune but would make a huge difference. Other issues are the horrible window over the front door and the beams being flush with the fake plaster.

[@izzy6455]

Incoming honest review...This is funny to me as a Brit. These fake big Tudor houses are very common here and seen as pretty dated as they were common in the 80s. I am so surprised he chose this style. I know he's English but that's the very reason I'm surprised. Alot of the examples of Tudor they are showing are not Tudor! They are early 20th century revival and larger and dont have the wonky look which is whatmakes the tudor look. These are nicer than the 80s ones and often beautiful but not Tudor. He'll enjoy it that's the main thing but because he is involved with design , it's a bit disappointing.

[@sarasate89]

No, it doesn't look like you ripped it out of England. There's nothing traditional, English, or Tudor about it! If Tan loves it then great. But that isn't anything like the fantastic Tudor architecture we have in England.

[@staceynoble2415]

You've worked so hard for so long to help so many feel beautiful. You deserve this house. I'm really so in awe of the gardens. My mum would be so happy with the neat boxwoods. Always something to catch your eye, yet so tidy.

[@candiceanderson3933]

England has a lot of rain. Utah is a desert. Not one of those plants is actually native to Utah and most of them take a TON of water. That landscape is going to be terrible to maintain and take an enormous amount of a scarce resource.

[@danee2369]

She said she picked plants that would do well in the climate

[@TheMartinCannon]

Think I detect a little green eyed monster!

[@valentineaugust4221]

@@TheMartinCannonhow is it an act of jealously to be concerned about environmental impact? it’s insane how some people have turned concern for the world we live in into a materialistic and hyper-individualistic mindset when it very much is not that.

[@TheMartinCannon]

@@valentineaugust4221 go back and listen to what the landscape gardener said.

[@andreeawhatever]

I think there are no fancy plants in the garden, it's mostly very resilient shrubs. It's just that the landscape surrounding the house is so bare, that the contrast between the garden and everything else is jarring.

[@bla9803]

Is it me or they do not use bricks for houses in america ?? these are fiberboard for the exterior of the house ? really ????

[@cam0987]

Exactly,i was shocked

[@James-kg7rv]

A gaudy replica which would have more merit if not made out of 2inch thick plywood

[@LukasFrank-sr3ey]

When he says “the landscaping is English” and they show the obviously fake fountain and the bamboo plants I am not sure if it was supposed to be serious or sarcastic by the editor of this video

[@weeesssa]

Well congrats on making a slightly-more-cohesive-than-usual McMansion I guess. Internally cohesive that is, because obviously building a house enmeshed in and complimentary to the surrounding countryside was at the bottom of the list of priorities. Enjoy buying your way around water restrictions.

[@LilianaCroush]

I recently visited one of London's oldest houses (Sutton House) which was originally built in the Elizabethan era, using local material, I think the brick was actually made on the property. And you could see when the different parts of the house was built by the pattern in the brickwork. I think the brickwork pattern they used on Fance's house is a style that came into fashion after the 17th century, so to make the house seem more "Tudor" they should maybe have chosen an older pattern

[@user-qc4ck8iz4o]

So wonderful to have them as our neighbors. A great addition to our neighborhood.

[@stargzr]

Definitely a beautiful house! But, is anyone else SUPER BOTHERED by that one limestone square that is askew, directly next to the pool???

[@cavinelizabeth]

One of the photos of the nice English houses is actually a photo of the Tudor garden at Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand. I just went and it's stunning!

[@nichj487]

Seeing the Tudor style completely out of its context makes this look like an elaborate film set

[@juliadawnolson]

Absolutely stunning! Everyone did such a lovely job! Thanks for sharing the process. ❤

[@tesstimmons422]

Tan, I hope this isn't the final episode in this series. I'm so enjoying a peek around every bend. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ingmarvanderhoek6314]

Such a strange mix of Britain and Utah, it is an awkward looking result. They should have moved to a cottage in the Cottswolds.

[@grumbogee1772]

i enjoy ad a lot. tbh its very hard to swallow content of rich ppl living their millionaire lavish lifestyle while the rest of us can barely afford rent tho. Like its the parasite meme where the driver is looking back at the girl. Could we get a ad video focusing on normal ppl and their homes? or...their apartments? and not just these rich ppl

[@johncornishlandrut]

It is a beautiful house. However I don't think they achieved the weathered "always been there" aesthetic.

[@jdos5643]

The house is brand new. With time it will get that natural withered look. Everything will look better with time

[@deepthir503]

This garden and the landscaping is absolutely beautiful 😍 🤩 👌 ❤️ 💕 💖 😍. Congratulations Tan and Rob 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 😀 😊 🎊.

[@emilyhouse1451]

It’s so refreshing to see a bit of English charm on this channel!

[@r4z0r1]

Does this count as McMansion?

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Worse, he had a decent budget.

[@lesfleurs9781]

It is a lot more than a McMansion

[@PajamaFeet]

I’d say yes, because the builders were not historic builders and it’s got all these anachronisms like the French bay window with a metal roof dead center. The whole entryway just looks off. If you see even the reference of inspiration you can see that they simplified the truly Tudor details out. They’re not usually symmetrical like this.

[@jlasf]

Even the site is wrong. You can't have an "English manor" against the backdrop of arid brushland. Such a failure all around.

[@jessiejoseph1093]

@@jlasf exactly, zero respect for natural habitat.

[@mariannewolf57]

The whole house and outside are packed with gorgeous details but- that stunning window construction in the kitchen!!!

[@pat557]

Dude could live anywhere and he chooses Salt Lake City 😂

[@jdos5643]

What’s wrong with Salt Lake City? Isn’t that where the sandlot was filmed?

[@MickeyMoe-mp1qx]

I mean utah has the 4th Lowest crime rates, strongest economy, best fiscal stability and is one of the most naturally beautiful states

[@jdos5643]

@@MickeyMoe-mp1qx California is more beautiful than Utah has a stronger economy.

[@turtlep8582]

@@jdos5643 Mormons

[@nicolad8822]

⁠@@MickeyMoe-mp1qxAlso full of religious weirdos and kissing cousins.

[@prettyfaerie7]

I love tan's design style, so much character. I would have added a covered walkway between the main house and cottage, especially in a snowy area

[@Victoria-sq2fd]

I'm obsessed with the landscaping. The pattern around the pool with the grass and tile are so beautiful

[@brynnvest8803]

Tan is a gift to this world

[@billhayward1585]

That is about as Perfect a house as I have ever seen on a modern show. I hope they put a ski lift up on the slope above their house.

[@pauljames5845]

I love how this house blends seamlessly into the landscape

[@georginaisabelrossi7520]

hahahah

[@divinodayacap3313]

Nope

[@andrewsartduchy7721]

I hope they’re actually happy with it because to me it’s kind of a travesty of true Tudor design. Really misses the mark and has that dreaded McMansion feel

[@adrianarusso7593]

This house is everything ❤I am so happy and excited for them. To have a dream and see it become a reality is such a blessing.

[@harmlessgrey]

It's so nice to see his dream come true. Beautiful!

[@MateoQuixote]

This was so incredible to watch. I am highly in support of creating character homes. In fact a dream of mine is if we could start mass producing character homes rather than the current mcmansion that's being produced. Even on a smaller scale of like 2-3 bedroom homes

[@BIG_SCAM]

so even rich people live in these glueboard boxes that get rained in during the build process. kinda wild.

[@katella]

Does look flimsy, doesn't it?

[@mayxiong5213]

😆 even fancy mansions are made of the same basic building materials my cheaper house is made of. Just bigger with more slapped on pretty stones, bricks, timber, etc. To me it feels and looks like a McMansion. But it’s his house, to each their own.

[@Poppama]

the house is beautiful but the fact it's an english style building in the middle of nowhere, a sand void, in utah is a little funny to me :3 like there's noothiing

[@Sambnt]

It’s an illusion because it’s all the way up the hill. It overlooks over a million people. It’s literally walking distance to the Utah State Capitol

[@martinogold]

It looks like a doll's house. I don't mean that as a compliment...

[@user-rf2pq3fm3n]

I like homes that fit into the landscape. The backyard landscaping is not to my liking. An English garden would look great. With all the flowers etc.

[@raqueldobson1]

True but not easy maintenance

[@divinodayacap3313]

Lmao you must be jokin

[@jj-if6it]

It's like a Disneyland installation...

[@luxelist]

Love the concept and agree with everything you said about Tudor architecture. Something so timeless about it. And the house is gorgeous, you really brought that concept to life!

[@thevillastudios]

The important thing is that they are happy with it.

[@melsyoutube]

i LOVEDDD this, i really hope you do this kinda multi-year, step by step build for a bunch of other celeb homes too!

[@Datarah]

I adore Tan and can't get enough

[@carnelian420]

Impressively gauche! I get why they like it and I'm sure it will be a lovely place to live. Its just funny they think its an authentic reproduction as opposed to incredibly jarring. You can't fake history and tradition by throwing money at it. You're in Utah, just own it!

[@MrScurvyKnave]

Mock-tudor is what we call it here.

[@daxrico266]

I like the Tudor design of the house, but it just looks out of place in those surroundings

[@evanavazquez8625]

This was an absolute joy to watch come together! I would love some insight into the interior/decor

[@9393ily]

Can someone explain to me the point of the heated driveway? I’m blown away at what rich people think they “need” 😂

[@1paradox]

I think it's because it's cold in Utah so when it snows, the driveway would melt the ice away more quickly. Even after you shovel snow, ice can remain for days especially if temps are below freezing consecutively. Sure it's not a necessity, but if you have the money, it's convenient. There are tons of things we don't need in life, but they're nice to have if we can afford to make our lives easier.

[@9393ily]

@@1paradox ahh I see! I live in Australia so it never snows here, so I wouldn’t see how a heated driveway would be convenient. Thanks for clarifying!

[@EmilieBlueBerry]

Because laying salt on the driveway is for the poor.

[@jennygelwix2341]

We had a heated driveway growing up in Utah because our drive way was very long and it would take literal hours to shovel or snowblow, plus the amount of salt used to melt ice and how corrosive it is to concrete. Their driveway is quite long and looks like it has an incline, which makes a heated driveway, while a luxury, a very appreciated asset in our winters.

[@nolabachiu7690]

No wonder there is less and less room for the bears, wolves, deer etc. So much land and room for so few people.

[@charl12]

Neverland meets Disneyland in Utah so cool.

[@henand3chicks]

Hydrangea is beautiful, but why does she keep saying it’s drought tolerant?🤔

[@charmaineb3664]

Tears. I live in England and anytime I pass by one of these homes, all I can do is stare. They are beautiful and this one is amazing. I wonder if his dream is to purchase one here in England - only because the surrounding is what throws it off a bit. But, congratulations. This is gorgeous.

[@kiwihead136]

favorite part of the video is "BIG CRANE"

[@isarwono5881]

A really beautiful house and magnificent view. The green house is spectacular. Congrats to Tan France & family to have this house. (It is now on my bucket list to have a house like this someday).

[@andyszymanowicz1847]

How sad that he destroyed the beautiful native landscape for this completely out of place house and garden. Keep the English garden in England and embrace the rugged Beauty of those desert mountains. What a shame for Utah.

[@jj-if6it]

Exactly

[@GetHimChicklet]

It was so much better when the indigenous peoples once populated the land, untouched, unspoiled.

[@OFCRKAY]

That house looks a lot better than the giant letters all over the Utah mountains

[@Meta.Empress]

Happy for Tan 😊 he's lovely

[@Phyx1us]

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HOUSE! ❤

[@judybennett5530]

Absolutely stunning ! Well done. Welcome to Salt Lake City Utah! We are glad you’re here!

[@marlenabenson]

He has lived in Salt Lake for quite a while now

[@Chris-pt1bl]

Beautiful house for sure it’s giving Great Gatsby

[@dudybug]

Being there in the 110° summers is going to be a strange experience.

[@meganlindstrom3322]

It doesn't get to 110 in SLC 😊

[@sophieh2884]

What an eyesore

[@pompeii_ash]

My jaw is on the floor, this is it! You made the perfect house!!

[@lauriebriggs9705]

Am I the only one that despises that fire engine red door?

[@skim1291]

wow, people don't make homes like this anymore! beautiful

[@jdos5643]

Unless you have the money

[@venom5809]

Absolutely beautiful house, fantastic job all around. 👏

[@michellecorson6025]

Wow! Absolutely stunning and beautiful. And the view!!! I have so enjoyed watching Tan's excitement throughout the process. Learning a bit of how this new venture fits into the context of his life makes it all the more special that he will get to enjoy this fabulous space.

[@Thereal-Loramo]

You guys have done an amazing job. I love the backyard its absolutely beautiful.