New England Architecture 101 – Italianate
You can tell a Italianate Victorian by its low-hipped roof.
The Italianate style was inspired by the rural Italian villa.
Photo Credit : Illustration by Rob LeannaChanneling the romance of a rural Italian villa, the Italianate house leaves behind the rigid stuffiness of the past for a rambling and relaxed floor plan with the flair of a low-pitched roof, deep and decorative eaves, arched windows, and decorative cupolas for admiring the natural view.
Time Period: 1840–1885
Characteristics: Low-hipped roof, arched windows
Famous Example: Maine is home to two fine examples: Stephen King’s spooky Bangor residence and the house museum Victoria Mansion in Portland
Where to Find Italianate Homes: In established but still prosperous and growing cities along the northeast coast
1. Exterior: Decorative belvederes (seen here), cupolas, or towers
2. Roof: A low-pitched design with deep overhanging eaves with highly decorative cornices and brackets
3. Windows: Tall and narrow, with rounded or arched tops
Aimee Tucker
As Digital Editor of New England.com, Aimee writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Before this role, she served as assistant, then associate, editor for Yankee Magazine and YankeeMagazine.com, where she was nominated for a City and Regional Magazine Association award for Best Blog. A lifelong New Englander, Aimee loves history, the New Hampshire seacoast, and a good Massachusetts South Shore bar pizza.
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