Architectural Styles in the Washington, DC Area
The Washington, DC, metropolitan area is versatile and home to a large number of architectural styles. Georgian is one such style, with distinctive features. But there are so many different styles, so how can you identify Georgian?
Georgian Style House
What is a Georgian home? What are its distinguishing characteristics? Georgian houses are characterized by their:
- Rigid symmetry in building mass as well as window and door placement
- Brick, stone, or stucco (brick is most predominantly used)
- Hip roofs, sometimes with dormers
- Window decorative headers
- Entrance embellishments, such as pediments, arched tops, and ogee caps
The Georgian style is one of America’s most consistently popular styles. Admired for its symmetrical design, classic proportions, and decorative elements, it was the most dominant architectural trend in the colonies between 1700 and the Revolutionary War. This style utilized many of the hallmarks of Renaissance design, only losing popularity as architectural tastes began to change with the establishment of the United States and the emergence of the American Federal style.
Contact the Wentworth team today to learn more or if you’re ready to remodel your Georgian Style home!
Gunston Hall in Lorton, Virginia
One of the best examples of the Georgian style in the Washington, DC, area is Gunston Hall on the banks of the Potomac River in what is now Lorton, Virginia. It was built for Founding Father George Mason.
If you’d like to learn more about Georgian-style homes, browse through this photo gallery of Gunston Hall! Get in touch with our team today to start your Georgian-style project in DC or the surrounding areas!
