Historic homes usually have some distinctive architectural details that make them stand out. They might remind you of a dollhouse you played with when you were growing up or, depending on your perspective, a creepy haunted house.
But what is a Victorian-style house, exactly? Whether you’re shopping the real estate market for a historic home or you’ve just always been curious about some of the houses in your neighborhood, here’s what to know about Victorian homes and how to spot their common features in a flash.
What Is a Victorian-Style House?
The Victorian Era refers to a very specific period in history when Queen Victoria sat on the throne of the United Kingdom. She ruled from 1837 to 1901, but the architectural elements linked to her name did not become popular until later in her reign, starting in the 1850s.
Victorian architecture is actually an umbrella term for several different styles that arose during this period, including early Gothic Revival, Italianate, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne, to name a few.