Why do we love Victorian architecture so much? Well, It’s difficult not to! But first things first, what is Victorian architecture? Well, without going into technical details, we can say that it is a type of architecture which includes different interpretations and revivals of different historic styles all mixed with new influences from Asia and the Middle East. It is not a homogeneous architectural movement so there is no such thing as THE Victorian style. Every house built in this period has its own personality and particular features, although most of them have in common the great amount of ornaments and details in their façades, balustrades, windows and turrets.
If we think about the Victorian era, we go back to the 19th century (1837 – 1901) and all its glory and splendour. Who does not like Queen Victoria and a long period of peace and prosperity? So, when we look at a Victorian house, hundreds of images, names and sensations come to our minds. The first name that comes to our minds is Queen Victoria, of course, but we also think about excellent writers and poets such as Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, George Eliot, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde, or Charles Darwin’s and his On the Origin of Species, and Prime Ministers such as Benjamin Disraeli or William Gladstone.
Images of elegant parties in these Victorian houses come to our minds, all together with glimpses of mysterious, dark and misty streets, vintage carriages and the first cars, gentlemen wearing top hats and women in their tiny corsets holding umbrellas. Victorian morality, characterized by restraint and dignity, comes as well to our minds and makes us think about refinement and magnificence… All of these names, images and sensations pop in our brains unconsciously when we see this kind of architecture.
You can call me a Romantic – although we all know that this is previous to Victorianism, you know what I mean – but Victorian architecture symbolizes and summarizes an important era in British history, and with all these associations in mind, I find it impossible not to fall in love with these houses the moment you step on them.
Many people consider that its style is old-fashioned and overdone, but as I have mentioned before, within the Victorian architectural style we can find several branches that are more luxurious and majestic, and others that are less elaborated.
Another thing to take into account for those who are not sure about this style is that Victorian does not mean necessarily that the house has to be old; nowadays we can find modern versions of Victorian houses that retain that special Victorian essence with a contemporary twist. Let’s be honest, who would not like to live in one of these? I would love to!
If you would like to know a bit more about the different styles of Victorian architecture, take a look at this website.
Looking to sell your Victorian dream home for free? don’t forget to list it with us here.
by Sandra Martinez
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