The Sassy Countess Historic Estates and Grand Lifestyles: August 2014

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Different Types Of Classical Revival

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

· Georgian

· 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.

These may or may not be of one’s own, either. Interestingly, these human emotions moved the formation of the homes’ interiors and exteriors. While there is no way to tell the entire story of a home within our short space here, I hope that by knowing a little bit more will entice you to continue your education at least a little.

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,

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Romanticistic Homes

Romanticism Ideologies

Come Into Physicality

What do all of these homes have in common? They are Romantic in style. What is that? Well, the Romantic thought was that people would go back to their beginnings; that urbanity and symmetry was less ideal than it had been in the earlier Enlightenment period. Equality of humanity was important, as well as getting back to nature.

So, how did that manifest itself in housing?

Doors were no longer in the middle, separating the house in two. Moving them to one side of the facade made a more interesting view.

Porches were important.

Facades had different levels.

The Classical Revivals were not as popular. Or, there was Romanticism within the design or within the home.

Gothic Revival became more important as the Gothic Novel came into being, and became highly popular.

Many people purchased a country house instead of, or in addition to their city house.

Farming was very popular for even the upper classes.

Gothic scenery became just as important as the farm and building itself.

Follies were built in abundance to give the impression of lost civilizations, and easier times. There were there for the sheer beauty, without any other function what-so-ever.

Plain living became popular with plain facades.

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Italianates of all sorts became the most seen throughout the United States.

restoring the Roost

Large windows were other ways to bring the outside indoors.

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Including bay windows on many stories.

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Unsculptured landscaping was thought to be more honest than formal ones were.

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Chimneys had differing heights.

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Porches resembling grottos were created with the addition of many plants.

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Cupolas added more light as well as air-conditioning.

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Large wasn't necessarily out, but walkways, aviaries, and greenhouses were definitely still in!

Friday, August 22, 2014

I Found A Goodie...

Just Down The Road From Me!

Built Ca 1860, and is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

And, it is actually for sale with almost three acres for $575 K.

OMG, so delish!

Will you buy it for me???

Needs A LOT of work, but I can do it!

Here is the listing.

To the left of the house

I thought this might be a place to tie horses, but there is no ring. Then, I thought that it might be a headstone, but it doesn't seem to be marking a grave, and there is no writing on it. So, I'm not sure exactly what it is.
Do you know???