In medieval society, was there a difference between the peasant way of life and the way the rich lived?

Typical medieval homes varied by country and even area.  Homes that are commonly associated with medieval times are the thatched roof cottages of England.  Dried mud over wood helped to create sturdy walls for the cottages.  In such homes, the family's life centered around the hearth.  The flames of the hearth fire were used to cook and boil water.  They also helped to keep the family warm during the cold winter months.  In some simple cottages, a hole in the roof served as a chimney.  This hole was not very efficient in channeling smoke outside.  This made the inside of the small cottages smoky.  Shutters were used to close small window openings, which had no glass.  This was for safety.  

The feudal system was strongly in place in medieval society.  Wealthier people lived in larger houses made of bricks or stones.  Often part of the house was made with half timbers.  Roofs of wealthier homes were typically made with tile shingles rather than thatch.  Chimneys and window glass became more widely used in larger homes.  Often there were multiple buildings on the properties of wealthy landowners.  These housed servants or farm animals.  The poor peasants, who were sometimes serfs, had to work very hard.  They worked long hours and sometimes had to pay taxes to the lord.  Serfs needed the permission from the lord to do many things.  Wealthier people also had to work hard.  They had more freedom in their lives, however.