Period Architecture

The term "Period Homes" refers to homes from a period such as the Colonial, Romantic, or Victorian Periods. These homes have a predominant architectural style and these styles are shown below.

Learning the details of each "Period" is rewarding and fun. It makes family outings through Virginia towns such as Old Town Alexandria, and the downtowns of Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, Waterford, and West Virginia towns of Charlestown, and Harpers Ferry enjoyable. You will be playing a game of "CLUE" with your family and looking at the houses like detectives. Where are the chimneys located and what are their style? What does the front door look like. Does the front door have any enclosure around it? What kind of windows are above the front door? What is the style of porch, the slope of the roof, and the the height and width of the windows? Below are some common styles found in Virginia We invite you to click on the pictures to learn more.

Also note that American homes built in the 1900's may have have a mixture of several styles (periods). For example the current house being constructed by Piedmont Vintage homes (see the Galloway house on the Home page) has a mixture of Italianate features and Victorian features.

Colonial Houses (1600 - 1820)

	Georgian Period Houses (1700 - 1780)
	Adam (Federal) Period Houses (1780 - 1820)
	Early Classical Revival Period Houses (1770 - 1830)

Romantic Houses (1820 - 1880)

	Greek Revival Period Houses (1825 - 1860)
	Italianate Period Houses (1840 - 1885)

Victorian Houses (1860 - 1900)

	Second Empire Period Houses (1855 - 1885)
	Queen Anne Period Houses (1880 - 1910)
	Folk Victorian Period Houses (1870 - 1910)

Eclectic Houses (1880 - 1940)

	Colonial Revival Period Houses (1880 - 1955)
	Craftsman Period Houses (1905 - 1930)

For a brief graphical review: On the Street Where You Live: Be a Building Watcher! (184k PDF) provides capsule descriptions of 15 architectural styles prevalent among historic houses and commercial buildings. Line drawings of examples illustrate the eight-page publication, with hallmarks of each style highlighted by illustrations.

For another website with more information about these different periods, visit
Architecture Styles.

We welcome your comments and questions.