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!
Early 20th Century Tudor Revival with some Gothic going on in San Francisco. Tudor Revival was a popular romantic style for homes in the early 20th century, from small “storybook” kit-house cottages to the grand architect-designed mansions that led the style to be nicknamed “Stockbroker Tudor.” These wonderful houses survive in all sizes, from Maine to California.
This example in the Buena Vista neighborhood looks back toward the mid-19th century Gothic Revival style in its form (particularly the steeply pitched roof) and some of its detailing, like the gothic arch and trefoil bargeboard treatment of the main gable. These are combined with typical Tudor Revival elements like the stucco exterior, half-timbering, and diamond-paned windows, popular in the new 20th century. The combination is romantic and delightful.
Understanding the style, or styles, of a house will help you identify which features are character-defining so you can prioritize their preservation. Tudor Revival and Gothic Revival are two of 25 historic architectural 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!