Explore 79+ Exquisite French Second Empire House Plan Not To Be Missed

The French Second Empire style of house was popularized from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century in Europe as well as North America. The style was influenced by French Second Empire, classical, and Neo-Grecian architectural styles. Characteristic features of this house type include steep mansard roofs, paired one-story pavilions with prominent porte cochère, arched entrances surrounding the main entrance, elaborately-decorated towers with conical roofs, and an eclectic amalgam of French and classical details. Many homes of this style usually have a mixture of French and Italianate details, as the style developed from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century.

The French Second Empire style house, from 1870 to 1880, has a classical flavor that complements its strong rooflines. Typically, the homes have a balanced façade with a wide central entrance and two symmetrical wings onto which the tall central tower is anchored. The arched entrance door into the central hall, and the large bay window linked to it, is often emphasized by a portico with two-story columns. These homes have the convenience of enjoying a sheltered courtyard, often furnished with an adjoining carriage porch. The steep, slate-covered hip roof is usually highlighted with a dormer window or skylight that illuminates the façade.

The Victorian-Gothic Revival was the first style to emerge during the French Second Empire building boom in the late 19th century. This style of house features steeply pitched roofs with steep gables and tall, Gothic-arched windows. It has an asymmetrical, romantic design, with ornate features like carved stone detailing, wood trim, heavy wrought iron balconies, and intricate cornice and balustrades. Ornate stucco terraces and walls made of unusual materials, such as ceramic tiles, help define the space. The entrance to the house usually is a long, winding staircase with a grand portico, surrounded by formally pruned trees.

The French Second Empire Companion House is a relatively unknown yet very elegant design. This particular style house was popular due to its good foundation and perfect mix of classical architectural elements with Victorian-Gothic Revival detailing. These houses are composed of two semi-detached homes, with entrances to each opposite side of the street. The roof of each building is gently sloped, with a surrounding cornice, and the separate entrances and matching arched windows add to the charm. The the double-story turret, or pavilion, with arched windows, is located near the entrance of one of the buildings, usually the one on the left.

Mansard roofs are a defining feature of French Second Empire homes. Mansard, or French-style roofs, are steeply pitched with a flat top. They are typically two stories high, with the second story featuring dormer windows and an additional roof line. A mansard roof is a great way to add to the visual appeal of a home, adding both style and character. The combination of slate and copper finishes for the roof is a hallmark of the French Second Empire style.

French Second Empire style house plans are usually asymmetrical and have a wealth of period details on the exterior. From elaborate bay windows with intricate carvings, to tall dormers with decorative shutters, to a turret with a conical roof, many elements combine to create this alluring look. This style is similar to the classic Italianate style of architecture, with its towers, porches, and grand entrance. The difference between the two styles lies in the details, with the French Second Empire style incorporating more classically-inspired elements, such as arched windows and porches with two-story columns.

An important part of a French Second Empire house design is the prominent balcony. Balconies provide a wonderful outdoor living space for entertaining and provide an eye-catching centerpiece to the home's façade. Balconies can be constructed of a variety of materials, including wrought iron, marble, and wood. They often feature intricate balustrades and decorative details, as well as a ceiling that is decorated with glass or metalwork, and several doors with transom windows providing access to the interior of the house.

Modern French Second Empire style homes have been updated to better meet the unique needs of today’s homeowner. These homes typically feature a mix of period details and modern updates. The windows may be replaced with larger, more energy-efficient models, while the exterior may be redefined with stone veneer, shutters, and awnings. The dormer windows that are popular on Second Empire homes can be updated with larger, more contemporary designs. And the prominent balcony is often transformed into an outdoor living space complete with a covered roof, an outdoor kitchen, and comfortable seating.

An iron crest in front of a French Second Empire home is a common, and beautiful, feature. These crests have a unique design and often feature intricate patterns that add visual interest to the façade. They are usually composed of a variety of metals, such as iron, bronze, and copper, and are often used to accentuate architectural details like rooflines and gables. The crest is also typically placed between the front portico and the front entrance, creating a framed view of the home’s entryway.

A porte cochere is another defining feature of French Second Empire houses. This feature can be used as a sheltered entry for carriages and horses, or to provide an additional living space for entertaining guests. Usually composed of an arched entryway supported by two columns, a porte cochere has a great deal of aesthetic value. It can also be used as an outdoor living space, which adds a unique touch of class and sophistication to the home’s facade. The addition of wrought iron grille or decorative stone detailing is also common.

French Second Empire house designs are a perfect blend of formal elegance and stately grandeur. With its elaborate bay windows and gables, intricate carvings and stone detailing, and tall dormer windows, these homes exude an air of both luxury and classical elegance. The combination of a steeply pitched mansard roof and a prominent porte cochere adds to the visual drama, while a prominent balcony provides a beautiful outdoor living space for entertaining and enjoying the fresh air. French Second Empire houses make a powerful statement in a modern home, and the array of styles, detailing, and colors allows for endless possibilities.