Bath, Maine, Gothic Revival Cottage in the Snow. The Gothic Revival style became popular in the middle of the 19th century. Books like Andrew Jackson Downing’s “The Architecture of Country Houses,” published in 1850, helped to spread the style from coast to coast in America.
Sometimes called Carpenter Gothic, this style allowed for great creativity by the builder, and the detail on these houses is endlessly varied. Elaborate verge boards (scroll-cut eave trim) and crockets at the gable peaks are characteristic of the style. The mid-19th century was a period of romanticism in literature, art, and architecture.
Sir Walter Scott’s romantic “Waverly” novels, the first historical novels in English, made the author a celebrity and his famous Gothic Revival home “Abbotsford” helped to popularize the style.
Understanding the style of a house will help you identify which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
Gothic Revival is one of 25 styles described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/. It is the perfect holiday gift for the old house lover on your list!
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors, including the classic “A Field Guide to American Houses.” Save with our multi-book combo packs!
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