audiobook Country Houses and Seaside Cottages of the Victorian Era (Dover Architecture) by William T. Comstock in Arts-Photography

Description

This fascinating book presents a series of 44 designs for vacation homes of varying styles and sizes; created over a century ago by a select group of New York and New Jersey architects. Many of them are two-story; and most were intended to be built on low-to-medium budgets. All of them reflect the ideals of comfort and charm and state-of-the-art technology of the Victorian period.The original publishers compiled a splendid variety of designs; presented them as "seaside and country houses" and included designs for a Victorian club house; pavilion; school house; and a "small seaside chapel." A total of 200 illustrations — including perspective views; front and side elevations; and first- and second-story floor plans — depict these appealing designs. Occasionally the architects have specified construction materials and finishing details such as paint; color; and trim; and in all cases they have included the overall anticipated costs; which range from about $500 to about $9;000.The Victorians; of course; loved architectural embellishments of every kind; and it is no small part of the charm of this book to study the profusion of gables; porches; portholes; dormers; porticoes; chimneys; pinnacles; and more; lavished on even the most modest designs. Above all; the houses and cottages appear to be both comfortable and reassuring; appealing reminders of a gracious age long gone. Those studying and working in the fields of architecture; history; and sociology will find in this wonderful book exuberant examples of a rich and charming architectural style. Those who wish to join the growing number of home builders and restorers re-creating Victorian homes will find inspiration in each of these thoughtful designs.