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
Aimee Tucker is Yankee Magazine’s Home Editor and the Senior Digital Editor of NewEngland.com. A lifelong New Englander and Yankee contributor since 2010, Aimee has written columns devoted to history, foliage, retro food, and architecture, and regularly shares her experiences in New England travel, home, and gardening. Her most memorable Yankee experiences to date include meeting Stephen King, singing along to a James Taylor Fourth of July concert at Tanglewood, and taking to the skies in the Hood blimp for an open-air tour of the Massachusetts coastline.
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