Hello everyone. My home was built around 1917/18. It's not in the bungalow style but it seems to have a bit of arts and crafts with built-ins, beamed ceilings, and such. The outside of the home still has the cedar shake, and rafters under the eaves. It's been called colonial, craftsman, and eclectic in style. I'm stumped.
I'll tell you a bit about it. The first floor is loaded with woodwork. I've been told it's chestnut throughtout and some cherry on our doors upstairs. My home also has stained glass in the living room, dining room, bathroom, and stair landing. The kitchen has the original subway tile but unfortunately, the bathroom subway tile had been removed by the time we moved in. However, both bathrooms have the old sinks, in great condition. The living room is a big open space with the main entrance between the fireplace/nook section on the left, and the formal section to the right. There are two closets on either side of the front door with beveled mirrored doors and a stained glass side light in each. There are 4 built-in bookcases in this room: two by the fireplace, and two on either side of the french doors leading to the library. Woodwork is beautiful in both this and the dining room which has gorgeous wood wainscoting as well as beamed ceilings. The stained glass window in this room is the same as in the living room.
The room we call the library (because of the two built in bookcases)is also considered the sun porch, music room, and sitting room. It was the den to the doctor and family who lived here for 50 years. It's probably my favorite room, and the one we keep the tree in at Christmas time. It has lovely casement windows. I was told this room once had beamed ceilings as well but were taken down due to bad condition. There are four bedrooms upstairs and the master bedroom's closet has a lovely stained glass window as well. The attic has the sewing room and two side rooms for storage. It also has a nice, spacious hallway. The floors throughout the house are the original herrinbone pattern in lovely condition. I plan on painting the living room, and also removing the upstairs hallway wallpaper. There is so much more I could tell about my home, but I don't want to bore you all and must give time to others' homes as well. Please feel free to view the pictures. I hope you can help me out.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ladyofteaville/album?.dir=/1f11re2

Thanks for taking the time.
Sandra

Hello Harmonie, what a beautiful home. I am new to this but I would say that your house is an American Foursquare. With maybe Victorian touches.

I'd say that's a pretty good description. The form is definitely that of a four square, with a lot of exterior craftsman touches like exposed rafter tails. The front porch is part Federal, part Prairie. From the interior details I would have guessed the house was a little older, say about 1905. Kind of in that transition period from Victorian to Craftsman/Prairie. It obviously was a very posh house when it was built with the built in book cases and stained and cut glass. A very nice and interesting house.

I'm thinking Italianate because of the squareness of it plus that box thing on the top (I know there is a technical term but don't remember it). Sure was a shock to see blue, I was thinking the usual brown shakes. Lovely house no matter what. Congrats on such a great home.

tanya

Thank you for your replies.
I used to think it was a four square, then a friend told me that she didn't think it was. I don't recall her reasoning. When I first called to gather info on this house, I was told it was a "Federal Victorian" which didn't make sense to me. I was also told it was built in 1900. Due to much research, I discovered that my home was the last one built on the block around 1917/18.
Then the same friend who said it wasn't a foursquare called it a colonial craftsman. I've gone on with this description for quite some time while adding the word eclectic as well. There is quite a bit going on architecturally.
I've always thought that it had earlier influences. In an old 1890's house book, I found pictures of parlors with details that look similar to mine.
As for the exterior color, I've stuck with this because it was the color on the house when we fisrt bought it (1997). The city was constantly sending letters to get the house painted ASAP so I stuck with what was there but added a bit more. Next time around I plan on researching and definitely changing the color. I've added an extra picture taken from across the street. You'll get a better shot of the whole front. Again, thanks so much for your help.

Sandra

Hmmm.. I was going to vote Colonial revival based on some of the exterior details and the interior details. I really looks like a colonial revival foursquare but the one element that doesn't fit is the craftsman-y rafter tails. a lot of the details inside to me scream a four square colonial revival.

A tranditional bungalow would have the traits of a victorian and a bungalow and this to me is more foursquare than bungalow.

I wonder if the rafters tails were something that was done during a subsequent update to the house?

Diane

Thanks Diane.
I've been searching (in vain) for some trace of the original house plans. That way I'd know what was changed/added throughout the years. From what I've been told in the past (neighbors, family of past inhabitants)not much has been done to the outside, but I won't believe it till I see actual plans. The county clerk has been no help whatsoever. They said that all the building contracts and such (of that era) are no longer available. Can you believe they did away with all the building info because "If they saved every house building contract and such, they'd have to build a warehouse to store them all."? I have no inkling of the architect and no house plans. Oh well...I still have hope that I'll find something someday.
Sandra

What I had meant to say was "a transitional bungalow" and not "traditional" Doh!

Diane

The triangular bits on the porch and the center window on the second floor are similar to those found on Federal style houses. Also the basic symmetry of window and door placement is similar to Federal style houses. There are a lot of different influences that make it hard to classify.

So, would calling it an eclectic foursquare make more sense?
Sandra

That's probably as accurate as anything else.

However you choose to describe it, your home is absolutely beautiful.

Thank you so much Chaosmosis. This home is truly my pride and joy, well..along with my cat and husband too, of course! LOL!
I still have lots to do as far as painting and such. I'd like to paint the living room, but since it faces north I have to pick a color that will not darken the room more. I'm just tired of the stark white striped wallpaper that's on there now. I've also been researching the history and just today penned a letter to a person I hope is the grandson of the first owners of my home. I need to find pictures, and also the original plans wherever they might be. I do hope they still exsist!
Thanks again!
Sandra

looks as though the architect borrowed some of the best features from a number of different styles. I see foursquare, federal victorian, and craftsman. And they all blend together nicely. Your woodwork is beautiful, and the inglenook around the fireplace.

Thank you Rick!
Yes indeed there's quite a lot going on there with all the different styles. It's quite a mish mosh, and I love it!
The nook area is a favorite with many during the fall and winter months. It's where I gather with my friends for needlework nights, and where I sit and read on a cold winter's day while the fire provides cozy comfort.
The woodwork was probably the selling point for my husband, when we first walked into the house, while it was still for sale. Truth be told, we weren't in need of moving out of our old place when this one came up, but once we came in to take a look, there was no way we could walk away without looking back. Uh, uh! It was love at first site.

Sandra