The Victorian Era Exemplified
Queen Anne Victorian Architecture
This home is a textbook Queen Anne: just check out A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia and Lee McAlester and you will see an asymmetrical towered 2-3 story residential dwelling with all of the same characteristics and details that make this architectural style so delightful! The building exhibits the hipped roof with lower cross gable spindlework subtype and octagonal tower. The prominent band of shingles along the "waist" of the building interrupts the transition between stories and avoids a smooth wall appearance. Asymmetrical composition and integral porches further characterize the Queen Anne style. The curved roof of the dome, clad in copper, is far less common than straight sided or conical examples. This home utilizes roof gables that overhang bay windows below, known as "cutaway bay windows" as evidenced in the front gable facade.
Built to Last
Substantial ironwork, old growth lumber, handsome woodwork and stained glass abound at the W.C. Smith House.
Fine Details
The lovely stained glass windows are one of many fine details that give us pause to gaze in awe at the craftsmanship of artisans of the past.