History & Overview of the Victorian Home.

Victorian houses are architecturally most commonly referred to as the Victorian Style but this 'style' is really a period in history. The Victorian era dates from the time of when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (from 1840 to 1904). During this time period, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture. There are a variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features.

The most popular style of architecture prior to the Victorian era was the Greek Revival. This style was used almost exclusively for public buildings where simplicity and dignity were considered the most important attributes. By the 1840s the Greek style was no longer fashionable for a private residence. Its popularity had waned about the time Victoria became Queen. Many early cottages were built as summer residences only, with no insulation, yet the underlying surfaces were of solid construction. Architects and builders often submitted alternate designs for a house where the floor plans were identical, and only the facades varied. But when frame construction came along, houses were built quickly and ornate details were added later. Many early homes had neither kitchens or bathrooms. As is typical of these early homes, additions often house the kitchens and baths.

Most of the early homes, especially those built in England, were built of stone, and enhanced with decorative 'stone tracery'. The number of full-blown Gothic stone mansions was never large. Only the wealthy could afford such homes which required the labors of highly skilled stone carvers. The costly Gothic style was eventually translated into wood, and thousands of 'Carpenter Gothic' houses still stand.

The characteristic American Carpenter Gothic style is characterized by steep gables and pointed windows. Often the construction was vertical 'Board and Batton' which was considered particularly fitting for a Gothic cottage because of its upward tendency. In a wider sense we now apply the term 'American Gothic' to all homes of typically Victorian design. These homes mark the real beginning of modern architecture. The homes are planned from the inside out - the layout of the rooms and the traffic pattern determines the outward look. Inside they have a happy hide-and-seek quality of surprise. When Gothic came to America and was translated to 'Carpenter Gothic', the stone tracery was replaced by wooden Gingerbread. The ornate wooden detail is considered a folk art. Each carpenter had his own ideas and employed his own fanciful designs.

The Victorian architectural period mostly spans the period of roughly 1825-1900. The Victorians drew deeply from history, nature, geometry, theory, and personal inspiration to create their designs. Prior to 1890, designers, though properly trained in the academics of standard architectural systems, still managed to employ their own creative ideas.

Early Victorian structures were relatively simple in style, while those built after the Civil War became more complicated. They combined styles as they saw fit. The end result was often a stunning visual effect. The building styles of post-Civil War America were elaborate and flamboyant, very much fueled by new industrial society. Now collectively called 'Victorian' the architecture was made up of several main styles. These include Italianate, Second Empire, Stick-Eastlake, and Queen Anne. Generally, Italianate style structures have flat roof lines, corniced eaves, angled bay windows and Corinthian-columned porches. Stick-Eastlake structures often include square bays, flat roof lines and free-style decorations. Queen Annes have a gabled roof, shingled insets, angled bay windows under the gable and on occasion a tower.

Contemporary critics accuse the Victorians of needless complexity and clutter. Victorian architecture up to 1870 was thought by some, especially Europeans, to be a failure. This near revulsion by critics was expressed at first only by a few, but as the decade went on, criticism increased.

During the Victorian Era in America, the Victorians took the design of their house extremely seriously. Victorians were absorbed, if not fanatic about proper etiquette throughout their daily lives. This behavior was also reflected in Victorian Home Design. Perfection was important and directly influenced a Victorian's status especially in the Victorian Home. The more elaborate and decorative the Victorian home dictated not only the owner's wealth but also their status within the community.

The Victorian Home was just as detailed and elaborate on the interior of the home as it was on the outside. Just as impressive as the exterior of a Victorian home, Victorian's apparel complimented the decorator of the interior of the home. Victorians were very sociable and frequently entertained with dinner parties several times during a week. Meals consisted of several entrees that lasted several hours. Victorian men retired to the game room, for an expensive cigar, and a goblet of brandy, generally discussing new financial adventures over a game of cards or billiards. The Lady's however would withdraw to the drawing room for needlepoint, music and drink sherry or tea.

In conclusion, all over the United States, many homes from the Victorian architectural period still stand and are considered among the most beautifully rustic in almost any neighborhood. Many have been turned into bed and breakfast inns, hotels and some just opened to the public as historic sites.