First thoughts such as they are:
Foundation work, smaller foundation,less work/cost, more living space, city or country, for the same smaller foundation. Foot print of the building.
Could these buildings have been moved to the country? Taken down and re-erected.
Richard points out they were a sign of wealth.
These buildings most likely have a infill system in the walls, clay. The jetty would offer some weather protection for the ground floor system. Tim
