Georgian Architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given to the architectural styles between 1720 and 1840, named for the four consecutive British monarchs named Georges I through IV. Georgian architecture is characterized by its proportion and balance; simple mathematical ratios were used to determine the height of a window in relation to its width or the shape of a room as a double cube. "Regular" was a term of approval, while the lack of symmetry (where Georgian additions were added to earlier structures) was considered a flaw. Georgian homes were built of wood or brick depending upon materials locally available. During the Georgian times, there was a heavy tax on windows, as England needed money for war. The number of windows you had was a sign of your wealth – poorer people often had only one window per floor. Some people bricked up windows to avoid the tax.--Tom Price
Georgian Characteristics
- Hipped roofs (A roof which slopes upward from all the sides of a building.)
- The roof was often hidden behind a parapet (low wall) built around the edge.
- Paired chimneys.
- Pillars in the front of the house.
- Square symmetrical shape.
- Elaborate entrance with a paneled front door in the center, often with fluted pilasters, cornice, or pediment.
- Transom with fanlight above the door.
- Sash windows (windows which slide up and down), with heavy/thick muntins.
- The windows nearer the roof are smaller than the rest.
- Cornice, usually emphasized by decorate moldings, most commonly with dentils.
- Windows with double-hung sashes having many small panes.
- Belt course.
- Quoins to emphasize corners.
- Palladian central window.
- Dormers-narrow with triangular pediment.
- Molding- heavy (dentil moulding often used).
- Central hallway.
- Transverse stairway.
http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/glk?http://www.mountvernon.org/ This site has an animated virtual tour of Mount Vernon. Although Mount Vernon is a Georgian style house, Washington redecorated his dining room in the latest style, Neoclassical.