Reveal 69+ Charming 1860s House Design You Won't Be Disappointed

The Victorian era was a period of architectural revivalism, particularly in Celtic, Gothic, Italianate and Queen Anne styles. This period saw an increase in size and a proliferation of ornamentation, such as spires, towers, turrets, bays and porches. This era of architecture produced some of the world's most iconic house designs, like the Queen Anne style. Queen Anne house designs are characterized by a wild and extravagant facade, with multiple points of the roof and a mixture of different materials. They are asymmetrical, a tribute to the eclectic tastes of the English Victorian era.

Queen Anne house designs are distinctive and always draw the eye. The exterior is usually asymmetrical and features dormers, towers, two-storied bays, and porches with classical columns. These houses often feature colored masonry exteriors, steep roof pitches with cross gables, and intricate details such as dentil molding or fish-scale siding. Queen Anne style homes are usually quite large and can be found in many iconic cities throughout the world.

The Gothic Revival is one of the most ornate and picturesque styles of architectural design. Characterized by pointed arches, steep gables, towers, turrets, quatrefoils, and a profusion of gothic details, the Gothic revival is aptly named - it brings to mind a romanticized version of a Gothic castle. These houses typically have asymmetrical front facades with multiple intersecting gables and porches with Gothic-style decorations. Gothic revival houses are distinctive and can add a unique charm to any neighborhood.

The Classical Revival style of architecture drew inspiration from the classic Greek and Roman forms of architecture. These houses feature a symmetrical front elevation with a pedimented entrance. They may also feature columned facades and a balustrade. Classical revival houses often have a strong sense of balance and harmony, lending an air of sophistication and elegance.

Italianate houses are a type of Victorian architecture. They feature a low-pitched roof with wide eaves and a front or side-facing porch with decorative columns. Other distinguishing features of Italianate houses include round-arched windows, asymmetrical facades, and elaborate cornice work. This style of house is often described as "romantic", with its tall windows and fanciful ornaments giving a unique combination of grace and grandeur.

The Second Empire house style is a type of Victorian architecture which incorporates a mansard roof and French Second Empire architectural details. The facade of a Second Empire house typically features a two-storied porch, an arched entrance, and asymmetrical dormers or turrets. These houses often have large windows and elaborate cornices and are often referred to as "fancy brick boxes".

The Carpenter Gothic style of architecture is characterized by steep gables, Gothic-style pointed arches, and intricate decorations such as quatrefoils. These houses often feature an asymmetrical facade with multiple intersecting gables and porches with Gothic-style decorations. The Carpenter Gothic style was popular in the mid-1800s and can be found in many historic cities throughout the world.

The Swiss Chalet-style is a type of Victorian architecture characterized by steep gables, overhanging eaves, and elaborately carved porch posts and gable ends. These houses often feature an asymmetrical facade with multiple levels or stories and decorative trim such as spandrels, brackets, and fretwork. These types of houses are often found in villages and small towns, where they offer a picturesque confection of color and charm.

The Stick-style of architecture is a type of Victorian style which incorporates wooden ornaments such as spindles, brackets, and fretwork to create an intricate latticework design. These houses typically have a two-storied porch which wraps around the front and sides of the house. The facade of a Stick-style house is usually symmetrical and featuring multiple intersecting gables. This type of house is often referred to as a "cathedral in wood", as its intricate design evokes a feeling of grandeur and elegance.

The Romanesque Revival style of architecture is a revival of the 11th and 12th century Romanesque style, marked by rounded arches, stone masonry walls, and heavy columns. These houses often have an asymmetrical facade with a round-arched entrance and multiple stories. These houses typically have elaborate cornices and window treatments, and feature stones, brick, and metal in contrasting colors. Romanesque Revival houses are typically large and impressive, and are often found in wealthy neighborhoods.