About Victorian Houses

While many homes built in the late 19th century are simply called "Victorian," there are actually several different styles of architecture that fall under the broad category of Victorian. The era is named for Queen Victoria, who ruled England from 1837 to 1901. Usually a grand old home with lots of unique details is labeled Victorian. But defining more precise details can further categorize a home into a specific architectural genre.

Victorian Gothic (1860-1890)

The predominant characteristic of a Victorian Gothic home is its multicolored exterior. Multiple colors and textures create decorative bands that highlight arches and corners. Walls often are decorated with geometric patterns. Pointed arch windows and doors usually are associated with Gothic style elements, but the overlay of decorative effects used in the late 19th century classify it as Victorian Gothic.

Italianate

An Italianate house is square with a flat or very slightly pitched roof that is usually topped with a cupola. The roof line extends beyond the exterior walls of the house, creating wide eaves supported by brackets. Most Italianate homes feature a long porch.

Second Empire (1860-1890)

A Second Empire house is easily identified by its mansard roof, a convex or concave second or third story that is part roof, part upper floor. The style also is characterized by heavy pediments over the windows, which are sometimes grouped in pairs. The entrance is usually a set of double doors with upper panels made of glass. Bracketed cornices and decorated chimney caps are also characteristics of Second Empire.

Queen Anne (1880-1900)

Queen Anne architecture is more richly ornamented than any other style. It can best be described as "busy," utilizing many competing decorative techniques. Queen Anne homes are typically what people refer to as "Victorian." The style is characterized by towers, turrets and chimneys and is decorated with many different colors, textures and materials. Fish-scale shingles, eyelid dormers and multiple spires and finials complete the ostentatious display. Many Queen Anne houses also feature sprawling verandas, bay windows and porticos.

Chateau (1860-1890)

The typical Chateau style home is irregular and massive with steeply pitched gable or hip roofs. Dormers, tall decorated chimneys and towers are often seen. Chateau houses frequently incorporate characteristics of other styles, such as Gothic finials and Tudor arches.

Octagon (1850-1860)

The Octagon style focuses on a centrally planned home with a wraparound veranda, cupola and a raised basement. Some Octagon homes featured a domed roof. They are usually less ornamented than other Victorian styles. It was first invented by Orson Fowler, who was ahead of his time in architectural design. The Octagon style is quite rare and is not found in many communities.