Style Guide Navigator

Victorian houses are architecturally commonly referred to as the Victorian Style but this "style" is really a period in history. The Victorian era dates from the time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (1840 to 1904). During this time, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture. There are a variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features.

Types of Victorian Styles Include: Second Empire, Queen Anne, Stick, Shingle, and Richardsonian Romanesque.

Victorian Examples

Identifying Features

Steeply pitched roof of irregular shape, usually with dominant front-facing gable
Textured shingles (and/or other devices) to avoid smooth-walled appearance
Partial or full-width asymmetrical porch, usually one story high and extended along one or both side walls
Asymmetrical facade

Queen Anne Victorian

Queen Anne Victorian Style

Mark Twain House Victorian

Stick Victorian Style

Queen Anne Victorian

Queen Anne Victorian Style

Chateu-sur-Mer

Second Empire Victorian Style

Victorian Links

The Victorian Society In America - The Victorian Society In America is the only national non-profit organization committed to historic preservation, protection, understanding, education, and enjoyment of our nineteenth century heritage.
The Victorian Preservation Association of Santa Clara Valley - A non-profit group of homeowners located in the Santa Clara Valley interested in preserving old homes.
Victorian Homes Magazine
Mark Twain House
Victorian Home Walk - Your San Francisco Walking Tour Guide. This site has many wonderful images and Victorian style examples. Tour information provided. If you are visiting or are a permanent resident, be sure to take the detailed tour of San Franscisco's beautiful historic Victorian neighborhoods.
Old Louisville Guide - Old Louisville National Historic Preservation District America's Victorian Treasure. The Old Louisville Guide has everything about historic preservation in Louisville, Kentucky. Complete with events, museum info, library info, walking tour schedules, and historic property features, this site is a must see.
Victorian Home Plans - Victorian Home Plans offers over 225 Victorian blue prints for building your dream home. Their qualified modification team will also assist you by modifying any existing Victorian home plan and even provide architectural stamps for most states.