I wrote an earlier post about Dutch Colonials in Salem Oregon. The Georgian Colonial is one of my favorite styles of architecture. I think it’s because I have images of images of carriages dropping off couples for a state dinner when I think of Colonial architecture. Women in long dresses with petticoats and men in tuxedos waltzing together.
Now, technically the homes in Salem Oregon are Colonial Revival homes since they weren’t built during the 17th-19th centuries, but that doesn’t change how great they look! They are fabulous homes.
Georgian Colonials have the following characteristics:
- Large, square and symmetrical
- A paneled front door
- A decorative crown over the front door.
- Columns on each side of the door that are flattened (called pilasters)
- Two chimneys (usually one in the center. Interestingly, the one chimney was placed in the center in order to conserve heat in the home).
- Five windows across the front that are evenly placed.
- A medium pitched roof with very little overhand.
- Windows with grids that are broken into 9-12 smaller panes.
- Often dentil molding along the eaves.
During the reign of King George the I and later King George the III, Britons were drawing influence from the Italian Renaissance. The Colonial architecture has many Greek and Roman influences, and became very popular with the wealthier classes. American adopted the architecture, but our Colonials tend to be less ornate than Britons.
If you are looking for Colonial Homes in Salem Oregon, then visit the Historic Districts around town and the Bush Park area for some gorgeous examples.
1 Comment