Gorgeous Second Empire style in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The defining feature of a Second Empire style building is the Mansard roof. Typically called a French roof in the U.S. during the 19th century, it was popular when all things French (including the language) were “en vogue” for fashionable middle and upper class Americans.
Patterned colored slate was often used on the roof, as seen here. From the eave line down, Second Empire buildings are essential Italianate in style, but their roof gives them a different identity.
Understanding the style of a house is the essential first step in developing a restoration plan that prioritizes the preservation and restoration of character-defining features while making changes necessary for modern life in an old house.
Hundreds of houses illustrate 25 different historic domestic architectural styles and types 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 only available in our shop, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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