So, I guess it is totally understandable when your front window is level with the footpath and people will be peering into your house all day, you may want to have some curtains, to close, when you are actually there. It seems the
English take this a bit further, to totally foil my crytoscopophilic tendencies, by having an array of peeking blocking curtains, blinds and what-nots shielding their precious interior decorating and stuff. 
Even on the roads less traveled, it is highly probable that the front windows will be shielded from prying eyes.
The phrase, "my house is my castle", or whatever the real wording, has real meaning in England and I guess curtains/blinds are the last defence, since there are no longer protecting walls, save fences, or moats, portcullis or people to shoot arrows and dump hot oil on your head before you can ring the doorbell.
I might have to try windows on the continent - stay tuned.
