Architecture/house style

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 12/20/2008


Question

rourke house
hello, i am searching the house style of the one attached, if you could provide any information it would be greatly appreciated, many thanks Todd Warren


Answer
Like many house styles popular during the first few decades of the 20th century, this home has a combination of elements at work. You could legitimately call it an eclectic English Revival cottage.

The half-timbering, forward jerkinhead (clipped) gable, eyebrow dormer are a few of the most obvious characteristics. The exposed rafters and knee braces give it an Arts & Crafts flavor too.

Based just on the shape of the house and what I can see, I'd date it to about 1925 more or less, depending on the builder and location. I'd need to see more detail to get a better bead on it. The pillars supporting the porch roof are odd though ... too small ... and out of proportion. I'm curious about what's going on there.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com  

Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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