Gingerbread Cottage in Historic Mount Tabor

Gingerbread Cottage in Historic Mount Tabor

This one-bedroom gingerbread cottage is so colorful and quirky that it made me smile. You don’t see houses like this very often!

It was built in 1871 and is on the market in the Historic Mount Tabor neighborhood of New Jerse.

Decorative ironwork, ornate woodwork and whimsical details throughout. Double door entry to LR w/amazing plaster ornaments, stained glass in baywindow nook and beamed ceiling w/antique pendant lights.

Wood brng stove. HW flrs throughout FF. Gingerbread arch into DR & Kit. Updated Kitchen w/Corian ctrs, cherry cabs, door to yard, Powder Room. DR slate fireplace backing, picture window.

Oak stairs w/antique carved oak niche for display. Wide plank heart pine flrs on 2nd level. MBR w/Sitting Area/poss 2nd BR. Ornate gingerbread arch w/glass details btwn. rooms. MBR features loads of light from cupola skylight and double doors to the beautiful balcony.

Remod. Bath w/antique ovrszd ped. sink & claw foot tub. Serene Yard w/iron gazebo, perennial plantings.

Photos of Gingerbread Cottage in Historic Mount Tabor:

Gingerbread Cottage in Historic Mount Tabor

Gingerbread Cottage

Interior of Gingerbread Cottage

Castle Victorian, New Old house

Castle Victorian, New-Old house

Castle Victorian is a "New-Old house" constructed from architectural plans first drafted in 1885.   This tribute to Victorian architecture was started in 1999 and completed in 2002.  This website is dedicated to the process of building a "New-Old House", not a "Fake-New Victorian", but a home worthy of the title, Victorian.

The 1885 version was built in Kansas City, MO and was documented in a book of old house plans.  The illustration in the lower right corner is from that book.   The original house, pictured to the right, still stands in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood of Kansas City, MO.

In 1999, my wife and I accepted the challenge to reconstruct this house in a manner that embraced the intricate details of this grand, High-Victorian home.

Building an authentic "New-Old house" that embraces the character and quality of a historic home is possible, but it takes a lot of dedication, effort, time and financial investment.  We hope you find inspiration here as you consider your personal Dream House project.  Just select a tab, above, (start with "The Dream" and work your way across).


Website: http://www.castlevictorian.com/

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria is an imposing Victorian mansion completed in 1890 for Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, Scottish immigrants who made their fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

Robert Dunsmuir died in 1889, just months before his majestic Craigdarroch Castle was completed. Although he arrived on Vancouver Island a poor coal miner, he built an empire and became the wealthiest and most influential man in British Columbia.

The fortune Dunsmuir amassed is reflected in every piece of the finest wood, stone and glass meticulously tooled to create Craigdarroch Castle, now a national historic museum featuring an extensive collection of stained and lead glass windows, magnificent woodwork, Victorian furnishings and decorative arts.

To tour the Castle, you can park on the Castle lot or on the street where indicated. You enter through the old coach entrance, pay your admission fee, clean your shoes and are then provided with a floor map, family history and introduction as to how to proceed. Tours are self-guided, so you can stop where you want. It should take you 45 minutes to an hour to tour through the Castle.

 Victoria's legendary landmark. Experience the lifestyles of the rich & powerful at the end of the 19th century. Completed in 1890, the Castle is now a historic house museum.

Lavish Victorian era furnishings & decor, exquisite stained glass & detailed woodwork carved by artisans of days gone by... These all combine to create a warm & expansive entertainment experience.

When you're finished, take time to browse the Gift Shop & relax in the newly restored (2010) grounds before moving on to your next destination.

Open daily for self-guided tours.

1050 Joan Cres, Victoria, 
British Columbia, V8S 3L5

Phone250-592-5323

Fax250-592-1099

Website:http://www.thecastle.ca

Email: info@thecastle.ca

Victorian House Museum

Victorian House Museum

Victorian House Museum - Holmes County Historical Society

In the heart of Ohio Amish country, this beautiful Victorian Mansion is the home of the Holmes County Historical Society. 
With 28 beautifully appointed rooms waiting for your discovery, this classic example of Queen Anne architecture is full of antiques furnished by local citizens. 

From the breath taking facade to the elegant white oak staircase that greets you as you enter, you'll be amazed at the details you find in this gem of Millersburg. You will step back in time as you tour all four floors of our mansion, from the exquisite ballroom on the fourth floor to the sauna and steam room in our basement. 

Our tours are self-guided, so take as much time as you want. Beautiful parquet floors are a must see! There is something here for everyone, young and old. Tours are self guided March weekends only, April - Oct. Tues. - Sunday- $8.00 for adults,senior citizen $7.00, students $3.00 and children under 12 FREE! Bus tours are welcome and can be arranged for special times. Why not spend the day in historic Millersburg to complete your tour?

Address

Victorian House Museum 484 Wooster Rd.
Millersburg, Ohio 44654

Phone Number(s)

Toll-Free: (888) 201-0022
Local Number: (330) 674-0022

E-mail Address(es)

info@holmeshistory.com

Hours

Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A Victorian cottage in the woods

Sandra Foster's magical one room cottage in The Catskills New York.

Sandra turned the former hunting cabin into a romantic cottage she had always dreamed of using salvaged architectural finds and doing the carpentry herself!

Victorian Cottage of Sandra Foster

Victorian Cottage in the Wood

Interior of Sanda Foster's Cottage

Buying a Victorian House

Victorian House

There are still many examples of Victorian houses in the United States, some of which are in great repair, while others are fixer-uppers. They were built in the nineteenth century, from about 1830. If you're interested in history and these lovely homes, you may be interested in buying your very own Victorian house.

1 Learn what makes a house a true Victorian house. Victorian houses usually have steeply pitched roofs, textured shingles, a partial front porch that usually extends along one or both sides walls and an asymmetrical design.

2 Contact a real estate agent that specializes in selling older homes, including Victorian homes. You may find there are quite a few Victorian Houses in your area.

3 Go to different websites to see listings of Victorian houses currently for sale throughout the country.

4 Be prepared to spend more money on this house than just the buying costs. Victorian houses usually require a great deal of upkeep, even if it's in good repair. Consider getting a Victorian house in poor repair and doing the repair work to get a deal on the price of the house.

5 Contact The Victorian Society in America for more information about the preservation of your house. You will want to be careful when doing repair and general upkeep that you're not permanently destroying history. Consider doing some research to make your Victorian house as authentic as possible (while still conforming to our comfort and sanitation levels).

Is Your House Victorian?

Victorian House

Is Your House Victorian?

Spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, the Victorian era (1837 to 1901) was a time of monumental change in many ways.

The Industrial Revolution meant that innovative techniques were being introduced, worldwide trade was opening up and the rapid economic growth then led to a big increase in building. And, with the creation of the railways and many new manufacturing processes, locally produced building materials - which were previously only used in the immediate area - soon became available all over the country.

Why Do Victorian Houses Look Like They Do?

People took a lot of pride in their properties and the more affluent classes saw their home as a big reflection of their status.

There was certainly an eclectic mix of styles throughout the Victorian era, with lots of adornment and trimmings, but it can also be said the Victorian age was very much a period of imitation and reproduction - many styles, which were previously popular, were revived.

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens

Kimberly Crest House & Gardens

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens is a French château-style Victorian mansion located in Redlands, California. The property is a registered California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kimberly-Shirk Association is dedicated to the preservation of Kimberly Crest House & Gardens to:
• Share the aesthetic experience of the estate;

• Educate visitors about the history and significance of the events, people, objects and culture of Kimberly Crest;

 • Inspire in others the vision and leadership in education, philanthropy, community and human values exemplified by Mary Kimberly Shirk. 

The 7,000 square foot, three-story chateau sits on a six and one quarter acre estate two miles south of downtown Redlands, at 1325 Prospect Drive, and is enjoyed by more than 11,000 visitors annually.

Originally built by Mrs. Cornelia A. Hill, a widow from New York State, the home was purchased by J. Alfred Kimberly (a co-founder of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation) and Helen Cheney Kimberly in 1905. Their widowed daughter, Mary Kimberly Shirk, lived in the home from 1920 until her death in 1979.

Kimberly Krest House and Gardens

The house's unique features include a French revival parlor complete with gilt furniture and silk damask wall coverings. Terraced Italian gardens, orange groves and ponds surround this historic landmark home. The lily ponds feature radiant Koi; vivid red, pink and yellow lilies against deep green majestic lotus blossoms; and papyrus. In 1998, KSA was made an honorary member of the Inland Koi Society who maintains the lily ponds at Kimberly Crest.

In 1963 there was a community effort to raise money to purchase Prospect Park (a 39 acre botanical park east and adjacent to Kimberly Crest) for the City of Redlands. To motivate support for this project, Mrs. Shirk promised to give her home to the "people of Redlands," if the needed money was raised. The park was acquired in 1968. The following year the Kimberly-Shirk Association, a non-profit corporation was formed. In her will, Mrs. Shirk left the house to the Association for the people of Redlands.

Photos of Victorian Houses

Victorian houses are architecturally commonly referred to as the Victorian Style but this "style" is really a period in history. The Victorian era roughly corresponds to the time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (1837 to 1901).
During this time, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture. There is a wide variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features.

Types of Victorian Styles Include: Second Empire, Queen Anne, Stick, Shingle, and Richardsonian Romanesque.

Photos of Victorian Houses:

Pine Meadow, Connecticut

Cape May - New Jersey

West Cliff Inn, Santa Cruz

Washington, Georgia

Seven Sisters Inn, Ocala Florida

The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn

The Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn

The Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn 

402 N Bridge St
Bellaire, MI 49615

(877) 438-6111

grandvictorian.com

 

The Grand Victorian is a stellar example of why I'd rather stay at a local B&B than the Ritz when I'm traveling. First off, Linda and Ken are amazingly warm and gracious; you will feel like family when you stay in their home. Linda is a great cook, and was more than happy to accommodate our vegetarian diet (she made us faken, which is veggie bacon!) and Ken has done a lot of research into the history of the house and the families that have lived there. He told us the story of the family that built the house over breakfast. Love!

Second, the mansion itself is spectacular, and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture in Michigan. There are many original details in the house (original moldings and woodwork, lighting fixtures, etc) so if you are a fan of Victorian era style and furnishings, this place will be heaven for you.

Third, the house is less than three blocks from Short's Brewing Company (which is why we chose this B&B in the first place). Additionally, they joined Short's mug club, so you can use their mugs and get a dollar off every beer!

Like most B&Bs, this place is not kid-friendly. Also, don't expect WIFI or even a TV in your room. Do expect, however, to be transported back in time to charm and romance of the Victorian era without having to wear a corset!

Images of Victorian houses

Images and photos of the best Victorian houses.
Victorian home designs draw from a variety of styles from Gothic to Italianate. Laden with turrets, porches, and bays and embellished with gingerbread, shingles, and fanciful windows, Victorian home plans are like snowflakes: no two are alike.

Victorian house plans typically feature at least two stories with, with steep complex rooflines. Eaves and gable ends may boast decorative brackets and delicate gingerbread ornamentation.
Thanks to their irregular massing, Victorian floor plans tend to be free-form and rambling. Victorian sub-styles include Gothic Revival, Queen Anne or Eastlake, Stick style, Second Empire, and Shingle style.

Victorian Houses, Southfield, Hessle

Victorian house on High St near Madison

Victorian Children In Coal Mines

Dave's Victorian House Site

Victorian Architecture, house styles

Wedding Cake House Maine

Victorian architecture refers to several styles developed during the reign of Queen Victoria

A common mental image of a "Victorian" home looks much like a dollhouse with elaborate trim and bright colors. But the term "Victorian architecture" actually refers to styles that emerged in the period between 1830 and 1910, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Victorian era spawned several well-known styles, including Gothic revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, stick style, Romanesque style and shingle style.

The Victorian styles evolved largely from the imposing, elaborate Gothic style, which appealed to the romantic Victorian idea that fashion, architecture and furnishings should be beautiful rather than practical. A wealthy Victorian woman's clothing, for example, involved corsets, hoop skirts and dresses that used yards of fabric. It made sense for the trendy home designs to reflect that excess as well.
Architects took the ideas of Gothic architecture and added French, Italian, Tudor and even Egyptian details. Designers were free to combine the styles to create several different well-known styles -- and combine the styles as they saw fit. As a result, there are few Victorian homes that look the same.
Ideas from the Gothic style may have started the Victorian styles, but a kick from the Industrial Revolution nationalized the trend. Steam-powered sawmills could create elaborate materials cheaper and faster. As a result, late Victorian homes became increasingly ornate. Even lower-income families could afford trim and patterns to turn their existing homes into "folk Victorians."
The Queen Anne style came into fashion in the 1880s, at the height of the mass-production of architectural trim. These elaborate, brightly colored homes are the image most people think of when they picture a Victorian home.
As the Arts and Crafts Movement began to hit America, critics accused the Victorians of needless complexity and clutter, advocating a more streamlined, handcrafted home. The style fell out of fashion, but is still very prevalent in historic communities around the country.
Key Elements

• Two to three stories. Victorian homes are usually large and imposing.
• Wood or stone exterior. The majority of Victorian styles use wood siding, but the Second Empire and Romanesque styles almost always have outer walls made of stone.
• Complicated, asymmetrical shape. Unlike the boxy Greek revival style, Victorian homes have wings and bays in many directions.
• Decorative trim. Commonly called "gingerbread," Victorian homes are usually decorated with elaborate wood or metal trim.
• Textured wall surfaces. Scalloped shingles, patterned masonry or half-timbering are commonly used to dress up Victorian siding.
• Steep, multi-faceted roof or Mansard roof. Victorian homes often have steep, imposing rooflines with many gables facing in different directions. The Second Empire Victorian style has a flat-topped Mansard roof with windows in the side to allow for maximum space inside the house.
• One-story porch. A large, wraparound porch with ornamental spindles and brackets is common, especially in the Queen Anne style.
• Towers. Some high-end Victorian homes are embellished with a round or octagonal tower with a steep, pointed roof.
• Vibrant colors. Before the Victorian era, most houses were painted all one color, usually white or beige. By 1887, bright earth tones like burnt sienna and mustard yellow were in vogue.

Famous Examples

• Gingerbread House. This Savannah, Ga., landmark was built by Cord Asendorf in 1889. It's considered one of the best examples of Steamboat Gothic architecture.
• Wedding Cake House. This square brick home in Kennebuck, Maine, was originally built in 1826. Like many homes in the Victorian era, it was covered in wooden Gothic decoration in 1850 to keep up with architecture trends.
• "Painted Ladies" in San Francisco. The term "painted ladies" refers to Victorian houses painted in three or more colors to embellish their architectural detail. It was first used to describe the colorful homes in San Francisco in the 1978 book Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians.
• Rosson House. Built in 1895, this Phoenix home is a great example of the Queen Anne style and is now a museum. Its detailed trim is often referred to as Eastlake detailing, after furniture designer Charles Eastlake's elaborate creations.