Queen Anne Revival Architecture

In part two of my old house architecture series, we are looking at the Queen Anne style.

The term Queen Anne suggests that we are referring to the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714) but the Queen Anne Revival style we have come to know is actually originally based off early English buildings from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

Considered Queen Anne style, what you see in North America is actually the Queen Anne Revival style. It is from the late Victorian era and was most popular from 1890-1914.

North American architects drew their inspiration from numerous eras and incorporated many different elements into their designs. So much so, that the Queen Anne Revival style is often described as excessive with a “more is better” approach to the design.

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

When thinking of a Queen Anne Revival house, most people will think of a dollhouse for its ornate porch and bay windows.

The famous Painted Ladies in San Francisco, California, USA are a great example of the Queen Anne Revival style.

The main architectural features of the Queen Anne Revival style include:

• An asymmetrical façade

• Round, square or polygonal towers

• Second floor corner turrets

• A front porch that runs the full length or partial length of the front façade

• Wrap around porches

• Second story porch or balcony

• Brightly and multi-coloured exteriors

• Wood shingles shaped to resemble fish scales

• Detailed spindle work

• Oriel or bay windows

• Leaded or stained glass

• Curved glass windows

• Wooden or slate roofs

• Wood, brick or stone facades

• Steeply-pitched and irregular rooflines

South Hampton, Ontario, Canada

What is your favourite feature of a Queen Anne Revival style house?

Mine would have to be those lovely wrap around porches!

With gratitude,

Chantelle