Mansard Monday in Dover, NH.
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 during a period when all things French (including the language) were “en vogue” for fashionable middle and upper class Americans.
From the eave line down, Second Empire buildings are essential Italianate in style, but their roof gives them a different identity. The style was used for everything from small wood-framed houses like this to grand towered mansions in brick and stone.
Many Mansard roofs are clad in slate shingles, sometimes arranged into patterns in several colors. Wood shingle was also used, either square-cut as here or sometimes shaped and painted or stained in several colors.
Second Empire is one of 25 styles and types described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” with other examples of the style spread across the USA.
Homes from more than 22 states are included in the 720 page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book, available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author in our shop, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Want to learn more about historic house styles? The classic book on the subject, “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester, is also available in our shop.
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