New England Architecture 101 – Italianate

Channeling 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

Defining Characteristics: Low-hipped roof, arched windows

Famous Examples: Maine is home to two fine examples: a spooky Bangor manse, formerly the residence of Stephen King, and the Victoria Mansion historic house museum in Portland.

Where to Find Italianate Homes: In established but still prosperous and growing cities along the northeast coast

How to Spot an Italianate House

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

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Bruce Irving

Bruce Irving is a home renovation consultant, real estate agent, and author with nearly 35 years’ experience with houses, including 17 as producer of the television series This Old House and its sister shows, where he earned an Emmy and learned the hallmarks of quality design and construction. Bruce writes about architecture and design for several publications and is the author of New England Icons, a book about the region’s built environment.

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