A cubical Italianate villa. The Italianate and Gothic Revival styles are known for introducing romantic irregular asymmetrical silhouettes to American homes, with towers, porches, bay windows, and other elements that broke up the simple rectangular box of earlier houses. But, the Italianate style also appeared in restrained cubical form, as in this Portland, Maine house with its low hipped roof on a symmetrical block with a pedimented center bay. The wonderful entry porch between the first story bay windows reinforces the symmetry of the composition.
The Italianate style appeared before the Civil War and took off after the war, with examples of the style ranging from modest wood cottages to immense masonry mansions appearing all across the United States.
Italianate is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners. Understanding the style, or styles, of a house will help you identify which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
The 720 page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book is available in bookstores and from online retailers. It is the perfect holiday gift for old house lovers!
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author in the shop on this site, click here: https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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