A lovely Italianate villa in Bath, Maine. The Italianate and Gothic Revival styles are known for introducing romantic irregular asymmetrical silhouettes to American homes, with towers, porches, bay windows, and other elements that broke up the simple rectangular box of earlier houses. But the Italianate style also appeared in restrained cubical form, as in this villa with a low-hipped roof on a symmetrical cubical block with a projecting center bay topped with a pediment. The wonderful side porch with arched openings between the square columns adds a touch of asymmetry to the composition.
The Italianate style got a toehold before the Civil War and took off after the war, with examples of the style appearing in all parts of the United States. This example is in Maine, but similar houses can be found nationwide.
Understanding a house’s style, or styles, will help you identify which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation.
Italianate is one of 25 styles and types 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 online shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Select preservation titles by other authors are also available in our shop!
© Scott T. Hanson 2023
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #historicpreservation #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #hitoricpreservation #italianatestyle #victorianhouse #victorianstyle #italianate #bathmaine #victorianvilla