The Italianate style became widely popular after Queen Victoria used it for Osborne House, her country retreat on the Isle of Wight. In American, architectural house plan books by A.J. Downing and others included many examples of the style that were copied from coast to coast.
The Italianate style is known for its romantic asymmetrical silhouettes, with towers, porches, bay windows, and other elements that broke up the simple rectangular box of earlier houses. But, the style also appeared in restrained cubical form, as in this Bath, Maine house with its low hipped roof on a symmetrical block with a Classical center portico. The grouped diamond-shaped windows in the frieze are an unusual and delightful touch.
Understanding what style your house is and what the significant characteristics of the that style are is essential to planning a good restoration.
Italianate is one of 25 styles described and illustrated with multiple images in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
The 720-page award-winning and best selling hardcover book is available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author in the shop on this site, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Your local bookstore can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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