The best way to learn about historic houses is to look at them closely, and the most fun way to look at them closely is to do a puzzle showing a wonderful historic house! So, we made a unique and interesting collection of Historic House Puzzles for you to enjoy!
This 1840s house in Portland, Maine was moved to rescue it from demolition for an Urban Renewal project in the 1960s.
The Gothic Revival style became popular in the middle of the 19th century. Architectural plan books like A.J. Downing’s “The Architecture of Country Houses,” 1850, 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 and or carved eave trim) at the gable peaks, lancet (pointed arch) and diamond pane casement windows, and wood siding mimicking stone blocks are characteristic of 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.”
Click on the dashed box at the top-right in the puzzle box below to open the puzzle to full screen. In the top left, you can change the number of pieces (100 pieces is the default), toggle piece rotation, and change the background color. Then hit “OK” and have fun!