The 1897 Queen Anne style C.M. Shepard House in Mobile, Alabama, is a design by Knoxville, TN, architect George F. Barber, who published house design books from which people could order blueprints.
In 1887, Barber published the “Cottage Souvenir No. 1,” which contained 17 house plans. Volume 2, several years later, contained 59 house plans and plans for barns, a chapel, a church, storefronts, and pavilions.
Around 1895, Barber began publishing a magazine, “American Homes,” which advertised the firm’s latest house plans and offered tips on landscaping and interior design. Many of the designs had multiple examples built across the country.
Reportedly, the millwork for this house was produced in Knoxville and shipped to Mobile in 13 railroad cars. It is likely the brick piers on the porte cochere are later replacements for turned wood posts like those remaining on the porch.
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 to accommodate modern life.
More than 50 full-color photos illustrate the Queen Anne style 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 at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2026.
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #homerestoration #houserestoration #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation #queenannestyle #victorianstyle #gfbarber #georgefbarber