Popular Architectural home styles
Oh how I love Queen Ann Victorians. Could it be I love this style home because I started my life in one? One of the best examples in Norwalk is on Elmwood Avenue. My grandmother owned this grand property and today it still is one of the most beautiful homes in Norwalk. When you step out back you are overlooking all of South Norwalk and our lovely waterfront. These homes were usually built by industrialists to accommodate large families and at least one live in servant. Where site location made it possible, much thought was given to orientation and views. Windows were varied in layout and dimensions on the same house, all made of wood. The porch, with ornamental wood railing and spindles, became very important as an outdoor living and entertaining area in the summer months.
My second home was a Folk Victorian Style in East Norwalk. This home was built in the early 1900’s. The architecture was beautiful but much less ornate than the Queen Anne. Many of these homes feature a wraparound porch with flat jigsaw cut trim in a variety of patterns. Others had spindles and gingerbread details. Folk Victorian house differ from Queen Ann style as they are orderly and symmetrical with no towers or bay windows.
My third home is a dramatic change in style from Victorian; its Mid Century Modern. This is a comfortable style which features open floor plan with clean simplicity and integration with nature. Like many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, Mid-Century architecture was frequently employed in residential structures with the goal of bringing modernism into America’s post-war suburbs. This style emphasized creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors in. Many Mid-century houses utilized then-groundbreaking post and beam architectural design that eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls seemingly made of glass. Function was as important as form in Mid-Century designs, with an emphasis placed specifically on targeting the needs of the average American family. Examples of residential Mid-Century modern architecture are frequently referred to as a California Contemporary.
This style home has caught on in popularity recently and if restoration is kept in line, these homes can command a good price.
One of the most popular home styles in Fairfield County is the traditional Colonial. This rectangular two story style home has the main entrance in the front and symmetric windows on either side. All of the public rooms are on the main floor. The main staircase is usually behind the front door and leads to a hallway and bedrooms.
Buyers with small children prefer this style more than any other. Colonials typically sell at a premium because of the desirability.
When restoring or remodeling your vintage home, stick with the architectural look the home was intended to be. You will get the greatest return on your investment if you follow this simple rule.
No matter what style home you choose, whether it’s a Ranch, Mid-Century modern, Split level, Cape, Colonial, Raised Ranch, Victorian, Antique or Cottage keep in mind you should feel comfortable with your choice and try to consider the old saying “location, location, location”.
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990