Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture is famous for it's influence upon the housing industry.  There are many types of styles that fall under Victorian Architecture, or rather the Victorian Era (June 20th 1837- Jan 22nd 1901); named after Queen Victoria.  A Victorian home usually refers to a house that was built during the reign of Queen Victoria; which has ended up being a defining feature of many British towns and cities.  In the United States victorian homes generally tend to be one, two, or three stories high (East tending to be three stories, West tending to be one or two stories).  However, these are not Victorian homes, but rather homes that were influenced from styles that were created during the Victorian Era.

Victorian Architecture

Some examples of architectural styles that were created during the Victorian Era:

Painted Ladies - a term used for Victorian houses that are painted in three or more colors to bring out the details of the architecture.
Painted Ladies

                                                                           

Second Empire - The Second Empire has roots that generate from France.  It's most noteable features are a rectangular tower, with a height that is equal or surpasses the heighest floor.

Second Empire

            

Renaissance Revival (Neo-Renaissance) - a style of architecture that encompassed many aspects of the 19th century revival styles that were neither Greek or Gothic, but focused more on Italian styles.

Neo-Renaissance

Romanesque Revival (Neo-Romanesque) - a style of building that was inspired by the Romanesque style of architecture.  The Neo-Romanesque style typically features round arches, semi-circular arches on windows, and belt courses.  The difference between the origin style and Neo-Romanesque style is that the arches and windows are simpler.

Neo-Romanesque