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Distinctive Architectural Styles Found in Upper ArlingtonNew England Colonial
History
Colonial houses of the South were patterned after those found in western England, while the homesteaders of the northern colonies such as Massachusetts and Connecticut incorporated the features of houses found in eastern England, since that was the area of origin for a predominant number of New England settlers. Later on, the colonists in New England tended to adapt and reinterpret the traditional methods of residential design and construction.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The New England Colonial is a two and one-half story, generally symmetrical, square, rectangular or box-like house with side or rear wings. The traditional building materials are narrow and wide clapboard siding; however, brick and stone siding are used on many revivals. The roof is usually a gable or shallow hip-style which is covered with shingles.
Cape Cod Revival
History
The Cape Cod is the earliest dwelling type built by the American Colonists that is still popular today. Modern versions reflect the characteristics of the originals. The early Cape Cods were very crude. The original homes usually had one room on the first floor and a sleeping loft above. The modern, or revival, version was the most popular house style in the United States from the 1920s through the 1950s.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a symmetrical one and one-half story compact hose with a central entrance. The gabled roof is steep, and is covered with shingles. The authentic versions have low central chimneys, but end chimneys are very popular in the revival style designs.
Dutch Colonial Revival
History
This is an indigenous American style; it did not originate in Holland as is commonly believed. This style was named for the early Dutch settlers who used it in Pennsylvania in the 1600s and soon thereafter in New York.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The Dutch Colonial is a moderate-size two, or two and one-half, story house with a gambrel roof and eaves that flare outward. A central entrance and one long dormer and several windows through the roof are common.
Federal Revival
History
This style was influenced by the simple lines reflected in homes designed by architects such as Thomas Jefferson. Homes of this style took many visual cues from classical Greek and Roman architecture.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
This style of home generally has a flat façade, lacks an overhang and has a simple floor plan. Ornament, while very limited, loosely recalls classical Greek themes.
Georgian Revival
History
Williamsburg, Virginia was the cultural and political capital of the Colonies during most of the 1700s. Houses there were based on styles developed in England during the reign of the four King Georges.
Key Distinguishing Features
Houses built from New England to colonial North Carolina were representative of the early Georgian houses built in America throughout the early 1700s. They had simple exterior lines and generally fewer decorative devices common to the later Georgian houses. Most were two or three-story rectangular houses with a porch and two large chimneys rising high above the roof.
Cotswold Cottage Revival
History
The Cotswold Cottage was first built in the Cotswold Hills of Gouchester, Hereford and Worchester, England, about the time of the Normon Conquest in 1066. The name is derived from "cot," meaning cottage and "wold," meaning wood; hence cottage in the wood. This romantic design was popular throughout the United States in the 1920s and '30s.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The Cotswold Cottage is an asymmetrical style house. Its prominent brick or stone chimney is located at the front or side and appears to be large in relation to the overall size of the house. Its gable roof is steep and has complex lines; the use of slate is common and adds to the distinctive overall appearance. Brick, stone, stucco and half-timbering are used as siding. Dormer windows are generally smaller than the other windows.
Tudor Revival and English Country Houses
History
This style started in England in the late fifteenth century during the reign of the House of Tudor. It was based on English cottages and became known as Medieval Revival style evolving from Elizabethan and Jacobean styles. The Tudor Revival became popular in the United States in the late 1800s.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The Tudor and English Country houses are imposing looking houses with fortress-like lines and are usually two or two and one-half stories. Siding on the English Country houses is chiefly stone or brick; most Tudors have some stucco and half-timbering. Chimneys on both are prominent and generally sculptured with protruding chimney pots; doors and windows have molded or cement trim.
The Tudor may display part of the second story overhanging the first. It may have less stone work then the English Country house and its stucco walls with half-timbering are lass fortress-like in appearance. Diamond-shaped leaded glass casement windows are most common.
French Normandy Revival
History
This house style originated in the Normandy province of France where houses and barns were combines into one building. The turret was used for the storage of grain and silage.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The French Normandy is a one and one-half to two and one-half story house with a high complicated roof. It is asymmetrical in shape and characterized by a central turret, which usually contains a staircase.
French Provincial Revival
History
This style was originated by the nobility in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1725).
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The French Provincial is a perfectly balanced, formal one and one-half to two and one-half story house with a high steep hip roof and curved, headed windows that break through the cornice. French windows and shutters are common on the first floor. Siding is often brick or stone; however stucco is also used.
French Farmhouse Revival
History
This style is based on the farmhouses found in the various provinces of France. Because of this, the style varies widely. It was most popular in American in the early 1900s.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
The French Farmhouse Revival houses are informal one and one-half to two stories, and are built with a variety of materials. They have a high hip or gable roof with steep slopes, a large chimney and dormers that may break through the cornice.
Spanish Revival
History
This style has been used in Spanish buildings since the days of the Spanish conquistadors. It is commonly found in the warm sections of the United States, but the image also appears in the north, utilizing construction materials common to the colder climates.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
This style is asymmetrical, one to three stories, and has a painted stucco exterior and a red or green tile roof.
Italian Revival
History
This style of house was designed to resemble an Italian villa.
Key Distinguishing Characteristics
This house has a low, elongated silhouette with a flat or low pitched roof with extended eaves that how deep and heavy cornices set with ornate brackets. Other characteristics include tall, slender windows, semi-circular arches and balconies set on ornate brackets.
Updated 7/01
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