The J. Donald Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg, PA, built in 1863, is an example of a Victorian-era house that blends elements of several styles of the period in a way that makes it difficult to categorize the style of the house. It is Italianate in its massing and fenestration with both Second Empire and Gothic Revival roof forms. The result is delightful.
A video showing much of the interior can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhAEmjhg_Ag
Understanding the style(s) 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.
Italianate, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival styles are described and illustrated with dozens of color photos 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 directly from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
The classic volume on identifying historic house styles, “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester, is available in our shop, along with other authors’ select restoration and preservation titles.
© Scott T. Hanson 2023
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation #queenannestyle #victorianstyle