Regional Features
The ascent of George I to the British throne in 1714 marked the beginning of the architectural balance and symmetry of the Renaissance period in England and the end of the excess and opulence of the Baroque style. Set into a more historical framework, the Georgian Period can also be called the late English Ren- aissance. Named after Kings George I, II, and III of England, Georgian Architechture is a uniquely British interpretation of Italian High Renaissance, particularly of the manor houses of Andrea Palladio. These buildings served as the inspiration for what would become known as the Georgian style in America.
In North America, the influence of Georgian Architecture is most evident between 1740 and 1790. Georgian houses are generally square in plan with a central stair hall. Grander houses of this style are rectilinear with cruciform halls bisecting them and may include lower service wings on either side of the main building connected by porches or enclosed passage- ways.
The simple elegance and formality of Palladio's designs became the essence of the Georgian style, as did the principles of geometric proportion and symmetry. These elements included a skillful rhythm of design elements and elegant proportion of architectural spaces, both in plan and elevation.
Distinctive Features
Georgian style residences are generally constructed with two stories above ground level and a tall, high-pitched roof set above the main structure. However, one-storied Georgian homes occur occasionally.
A cornice with decorative moldings or dentils is situated below the eave to embellish the façade at the soffit.
Georgian façades are almost always perfectly symmetrical.
Ornamentation on Georgian style homes is usually scarce and restricted to the decorative features surrounding the doors and windows.
The Georgian roof is often decorated with dormer windows and/or a balustrade that runs along the ridge.
Windows and Doors
The windows of a Georgian house are always evenly spaced and in alignment horizontally and vertically.
Each sash of the double-hung windows is typically divided into 6, 8, or 12 small panes separated by 1-inch thick muntins.
The front door is typically centered on the principal façade of the house and is always accented with detailed decoration, such as a pediment or curved hood supported by small columns or pilasters. Because of the decorative pediment or hood above the front door, covered porches are rarely incorporated into the design.
The entrance to a Georgian house usually includes a rectangular or semi-circular transom window accenting the front door. Rectangular glass transom windows were not shaped in other forms, such as an ellipse or fan shape, until after the American Revolution when the Federal style became popular.
Exterior shutters are another prominent feature of Georgian houses. Shutters attached to the windows are common on early American Georgian style homes, however, they did not appear on every house.
