Just mention the city of San Francisco, and people visualize the Golden Gate Bridge, Crooked Street and Victorian homes. The homes earned their nickname, 'Painted Ladies', when owners collaborated to paint their row of Victorians with rainbow colors. The Victorian homes along Steiner Street on Alamo Square are probably the most photographed, hence the phrase 'Postcard Row'. However, there are many others beautifying the trolley-ridden hills of San Francisco.
The Sherman House in Pacific Heights is a great example of the Italian Victorian Style. The homes were predominately built in the 1840's-1850's. Their unique style includes a flat roof, overhanging eves and a square cupola.
Gothic Revival Victorian homes were built between 1840-1880. Inspired by the cathedrals of medieval Europe, the American tourist can appreciate European architecture without ever flying 'across the pond'. The Westerfeld House embraces the characteristics of the Gothic revival. It is located at the highest point of Alamo Square Park.
Queen Anne Victorian homes are the most regal and fancy. Built between the 1880's-1890's, the attention to detail is exquisite. These homes most often include stained glass windows, which makes it my favorite among Victorian style homes. The Haas-Lilienthal House in Pacific Heights is a prime example of Queen Anne Victorian style homes.
Maybe these homes attract so many visitors every year, because they were built with attention to detail, fine craftsmanship and reflect on a time when people took pride in their work. The Victorian Homes serve as a reminder that early American settlers were proud of their heritage, but also believed in the greatness their new homeland offered to them, and their children.
God Bless America.
No comments:
Post a Comment