Victorian Architecture

I’m in love with Victorian architecture — especially Victorian style homes. There’s something both classic and whimsical about them that makes my heart skip a beat when I see a beautiful example of this style. There are actuallyseveral architectural styles classified as Victorian. But in the larger group there are a few features of Victorian architecture that really make them stand out.

Today I’m going to share three of my favorite features of Victorian architecture, and show you a few photos that illustrate each one. I hope you enjoy this collection of beautiful Victorian buildings.

Features and Examples of Victorian Architecture

1. Height

Victorian homes are often taller than similar sized homes of other styles — spreading upward rather than outward. This gives them a grand sense when you look at them, and it goes a long way to set themselves apart from other houses in the same area. Here are a few photos of three-story Victorian buildings to give you a better idea of what I mean.

Credit: Slideshow Bruce (via Flickr)

Credit: Alaskan Dude (via Flickr)

Credit: yorkville (via Flickr)

2. Turrets

Here’s where that whimsical style I mentioned comes in. Many Victorian buildings have turrets — in other words, towers. And really, what’s not to love about towers? They don’t have to be extreme. Some are round. Others aren’t. Here are a couple of examples of Victorian homes with turrets to give you an idea of their variety.

Credit: marada (via Flickr)

Credit: Muffet (via Flickr)

3. Millwork

The millwork on many Victorian homes sometimes takes my breath away. You just don’t see this kind of ornamental effort go into new homes as much anymore. Millwork is the decorative woodwork you’ll find on the home or inside it.

Have you ever seen old homes with gorgeous wooden doors, staircases, and built-in shelving? Those are examples. So are baseboards, fireplace mantles, and the wood paneling sometimes on the walls. Oh, how I wish more modern homes would feature gorgeous millwork. It sometimes feels like a lost art. Here are a few external and internal examples.

Credit: Wonderlane (via Flickr)

Credit: Lee Coursey (via Flickr)

Credit: KidMoxie (via Flickr)

Credit: KidMoxie (via Flickr)

If I could run out and buy my dream home without a second thought, it would definitely be a two-story Victorian house with at least one turret and plenty of handcrafted internal and external millwork. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.