Victorian houses are like those thrice-divorced grandmas that remain stylish and classy even in their big age. These houses were built in the 1840s and kept their reign up until the 1940s!
Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, people were able to manufacture and transport house parts wherever they wanted.
Furthermore, paint became a thing so the houses were extremely colorful!
Victorian homes represented a new beginning for everyone and even to this day, we can see this breath of fresh air in them!
These houses are sought after even today! But whether you like the look of a fully restored Victorian home or a renovated one that fits today’s modern standards, you’ll definitely find something you like!
Let’s look at some of the most stunning Victorian homes out there!
5 Types of Victorian Homes
1. Queen Anne Victorian
The Queen Anne Victorian is presumed to be the stereotypical Victorian house, with steep roofs, ornate details, a colorful palette and more!
2. Italianate Victorian
As the name suggests, these houses draw inspiration from Italian villas. Characterized by a boxy shape, flat roofs and decorative trim all over!
3. Second Empire Victorian
This style of Victorian homes was only popular amongst the elites since only they could afford them! It has a square shape, dormers and molded cornices!
4. Gothic Revival Victorian
A personal favorite, the Gothic Revival Victorians are just what the name suggests! Distinguished from other Victorian homes by high arched windows, steep roofs and ornate details!
5. Folk Victorian
As opposed to the Second Empire Victorian, the Folk Victorian is a working-class man’s home. It was built with cheaper materials but still retained that ornate detailing.
This is the most common Victorian house as well!
Key Characteristics of Victorian Houses
6. Steep Gabled Roofs
The steep gabled roofs were designed to draw the eye upward and make the house tower over everything it was surrounded by!
7. Ornamental Details
These ornamental details were used to give the home more charm and you can notice them all around the exterior of the house: around the windows, doors, fences, etc.!
8. Glazed Brick
If the house was made out of brick or if it had partial brick, then it would be painted in a different color as to stand out!
9. Narrow Victorian Homes
A lot of these homes were built in an era when population growth was explosive, so many people looked to build houses upward rather than out.
10. Bay Windows
Bay windows are a must on Victorian houses since they add a touch of beauty to every home. They look beautiful on the outside and on the inside and they let in heaps of natural light!
11. Towers and Turrets
During this era, the builders would experiment with shapes and different styles, which led Victorian houses to have towers and turrets!
12. Stickwork
Victorian homes often experimented with wood as well and many of them have a mix of patterns on them creating different intricate details!
13. Mix and Match
It’s not uncommon to see a fusion between a Victorian home and another style. Like this one!
14. Color Combos
It’s no secret that Victorians loved their colors! Old Victorian homes had no less than three paint colors on the house!
15. Asymmetrical Designs
Victorian homes are often very disproportionate, meaning that the entryway isn’t always centered and parts of the house don’t match!
16. Victorian Townhouses
17. Gothic Revival Victorian-Style Farmhouse
18. Grand Entryways
19. Multiple Stories
As I’ve said, Victorians loved to look up, so most of their houses have at least 2, some even 3 stories!
20. Porches All Around
Most Victorian homes have vast outdoor living spaces. Wrap-around and stacked porches are staples in Victorian homes!
21. Victorian Gatehouse
Victorians added character to every single thing and that includes gatehouses!
22. Former Victorian Rectory
23. Crețulescu Palace
24. Two-Toned Beauty
25. Barbie’s Victorian DreamHouse
Conclusion
Depending on what you like, a Victorian home could be just the right fit for you! These houses are packed with character and charm and you’ll never get bored of it!
Of course, there’s always a bit of risk when buying older homes, but hey, what’s life without a little risk?