Introduction
I am excited to talk with you about the different types of
Classical Revival styles. I want to make these articles dialog
friendly, and hope that you reply! While I cannot say that I am a specialist in
architectural styles, I can say that I have had my fair share of architectural
classes, both undergrad and grad. And, I can also say that my obsession with
homes of American and British Gentry will help in the discussion.
The National Register of Historic Places lists only a small
type of these homes. These are:
·
Italianate
·
Federal
·
Classical Revival
·
Greek Revival
·
Romanesque
·
Renaissance
What makes the homes that I will present different than the
ones listed above? That is a great question! First, the types listed are
generalizations. Secondly, (and most importantly) many of the grand estates in
the South have been “Grecianized” or “Romanized,” etc. The love affair with
columns in the South has been noted by thousands of people, both historically
and modern. I’m sure that most of you can say that when you think of a Southern
Plantation or Mansion, the white Columned brick house comes to mind. This is
what I am excited to discuss with you!
The next time that you see a columned house, I don’t want
you to think automatically that it is a “Greek Revival;” I want you to be able
to break it down by façade before you find out about the individuals and
families that lived there. I think that the story of the historic home is not
just about the architecture, but why this particular look was chosen. I think
that the soul of the home is from the people that lived there, and the events
that happened within the walls as well as outside on the grounds. Fashion
trends worked on houses, just as they worked on clothing and hairstyles.
Passion, either for or against something forged itself on the structures too.
Politics and love were other reasons for certain houses.
This is what is so important. Remember that you love these homes, and others loved them before you. That is what makes them so appealing, I think. Houses are, and were, full of dreams, romance, politics, passion, love, hate, vengeance, insanity, war, peace, depravity, isolation, fear, loneliness, etc. Other points of reference are governmental and/or cultural influence.
I also hope that it will inspire you to visit house museums, get involved with your historical association, or just be able to understand just a little bit more than you do now. So, when you do see those columns, I want you to be able to see past the wood, concrete, brick, etc. and be able to commune with the home’s past.
Additional labels: real estate, housing, land, brokers, Realtors, Real Estate Agents, mortgages, investments, property, Greek revival, Roman Revival, Romanticism, Romantic Homes, House, American, Plantation,
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