This type of architecture was part of the traditional and highly ornamented English aesthetic style known broadly as Picturesque Eclecticism. Popular in London during the 1860s it quickly moved to North America and became a prominent residential style. Although also very popular in other parts of North America, West Coast cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver embraced this style.
The Queen Anne came to represent the ambitious aspirations and social climate of the West. Although locally it was generally more restrained, it became the most common housing type in late 19th century British Columbia, remaining popular as late as 1912.
What to look for….
- asymmetrical rooflines and plan
- steeply pitched gable or compound hip roofs
- often included corner turret with domed or conical roof
- ornamentation often covered gable ends
- large corbelled red brick chimneys
- wrap-around verandahs were common
- highly ornamented surface textures highlighted
- bay windows common
- extensive wood trim inside and out
- drop siding, patterned shingles, mouldings, porch and eave brackets, ‘gingerbread’ styling
- finials and roof crests are a defining point of the style