New England Architecture 101 – Queen Anne
Think of the Queen Anne Victorian as a dreamy medieval dollhouse.
The Queen Anne Victorian
Photo Credit : Illustration by Rob LeannaThe final “Victorian” style and contemporary with the all-American Shingle, grand Queen Anne homes are like dreamy medieval dollhouses complete with turrets, vibrant paint jobs, ornamental trim, and wide front porches.
Time Period: 1880–1910
Characteristics: Bay windows, turrets, towers, and bold multicolored exteriors
Famous Example: The “Painted Ladies” of San Francisco, California
Where to Find Queen Annes: Throughout New England in every size, from wee cottages to grand mansions.
1. Exterior: Asymmetrical; typically painted in three or more colors
2. Roof: Steep with cross gables or large dormers
3. Tower: A round or polygonal front corner tower with a conical or domed roof
4. Windows: Large, single-pane windows and frequent projecting bay windows
5. Porch: Expansive and boasting decorative “gingerbread” spindle-work wood trim
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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