Gothic Revival – Wood (1840s – 1880s)
Builders borrowed church-like details to construct affordable wooden versions of the Gothic Revival style.
History:
The earliest Gothic Revival homes were constructed of stone and brick. The Gothic Revival style imitated the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. However, few people could afford to build grand masonry homes in the Gothic Revival style. In the United States, The ready availability of lumber and factory-made architectural trim lead to a distinctly American version of Gothic Revival. Wood-framed Gothic Revival homes became America’s dominant style in the mid-1800s.
New machines invented during the Victorian era made it easy and affordable to add scrolled ornaments, lacy bargeboards, “gingerbread” trim, and other decorative details. Heavily decorated wood-frame cottages in the Gothic Revival style are often called Carpenter Gothic.
Features:
Steeply pitched roof
Steep cross gables
Windows with pointed arches
Vertical board and batten siding
One-story porch
Next: Italianate style
