Restoring Victorian Houses: A Journey Back in Time
Our home, the Barclay Mansion, is located in historic Bedford, Pennsylvania and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. In addition to being our home, the Barclay Mansion is also the site of our business, Bedford Fine Art Gallery, where we always have over 300 original authentic beautiful Victorian paintings for sale.
The Barclay Mansion was built in 1889, during the late Victorian period. Although the house is Victorian in age, it is reminiscent of the Renaissance Classical tradition with Italianate style details. The low central tower, with its curved and stilted segmented arch work above the triple and double window, creates a distinctive front to the house. The brickwork has pilaster-like details on the central tower. The brick pilasters rise to the roof-line and are topped with heavy scroll-like bracketing. This late Victorian period style bracketing is repeated in the porch roof detail and around the structure’s eaves. The house is 2-1/2 stories high and is built of brick. The main core of the house has 12 large rooms, two deep in double bays about the central hall and stairway on three floors. The rear wing has 6 smaller rooms on two floors, serving as servant-butler quarters, pantry and kitchen. A two bay full basement has a base course of coarse stone, topped with brick perimeter walls. The house has central support from two rows of three brick archways.
The house has a hipped roof with jerkin-head gables on the ends and a jerkin-head gable on the low central tower. Chimneys are incorporated into the end gables with distinctive flare and taper in brick work detail. Two additional similarly detailed chimneys rise from the rear wing. There are nine fireplaces, eight of which have slate hearths with marble mantels and trim. Crafted brass trim and metal liners to the hearths are distinctively Victorian. The large kitchen hearth was closed over with shelving for many years when the house functioned as the Bedford County Library; however, this façade has been removed to reveal the original brick work.
The windows are double, large pane Lights on the front of the house; triple in the central tower. Single windows are elsewhere. The windows have large white wooden lintels; square arching over lights; and massive wooden sills beneath. The southeast end of the house has carved wooden floral motif in the lintels. There are fluted pilasters in the double window sets. The double doors of the main entrance have no transoms, but they have large, square frosted-etched panes at the top. Interior doors of the front of the house are of similar design. In addition, the carved wooden floral motif is found on the doors and in the trim detail. The rear wing entrance is a single door and has a three-light transom. The central hall has massive walnut stairway railings and trim detail abounds in every room. Craftsmanship in details and trim work is found throughout the house.
Victorian houses, with their ornate architecture and rich history, offer homeowners the unique opportunity to own a piece of the past. These beautiful homes, often adorned with intricate details, steep roofs, and large windows, can be stunning showcases of craftsmanship and history. Restoring a Victorian house, however, is not for the faint of heart. It requires careful planning, respect for the original design, and a willingness to blend the old with the new. In this article, we will explore the essential steps involved in restoring a Victorian home, what makes the effort so rewarding, and why original authentic Victorian art is the perfect complement to your restored historic Victorian house.
1. Understanding Victorian Architecture
Victorian architecture refers to the styles that emerged during Queen Victoria's reign (1837–1901). The period encompasses a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate. Each of these styles is characterized by ornate decorative elements, intricate woodwork, and asymmetrical facades. Restoring a Victorian home often involves understanding which style your house belongs to and what specific features are significant to its design.
Key architectural elements of Victorian homes may include:
- Decorative Trimwork: Often called "gingerbread," these are intricate wood carvings found on gables, porches, and eaves.
- Stained Glass Windows: Colorful, hand-crafted windows that provide character and charm.
- Bay Windows: Large, projecting windows that bring in ample light and create a sense of spaciousness.
- Tower or Turrets: Circular or angular additions that give the house a castle-like appearance.
- Mansard Roofs: Often seen in Second Empire-style Victorian homes, these roofs have two slopes and are covered in slate tiles.
Each of these features contributes to the overall grandeur of the home, and restoring them can be a major part of the project.
2. Planning the Restoration
Before embarking on any major restoration, it is essential to research the home’s history. This includes understanding its original floor plan, materials, and previous alterations. Many Victorian homes have undergone several changes over the years, and the goal is to restore as much of the original character as possible while accommodating modern needs.
A restoration plan should include:
- Historical Research: Check local archives, historical societies, and libraries for records about the original construction and any previous renovations.
- Budgeting: Restoration can be costly. A thorough budget should include not only the cost of materials and labor but also unexpected repairs (e.g., dealing with lead paint, asbestos, or structural issues).
- Hiring Specialists: Restoration projects often require specialized skills, from plaster repair to wood restoration and stained glass restoration. Finding artisans experienced in working with historical homes is key to a successful project.
- Permits and Regulations: Victorian homes often fall under historic preservation laws, meaning certain guidelines must be followed to maintain the house’s historic status. Local historical commissions may need to approve your plans, especially if they involve exterior changes. For example, we had to go through the Historic Architectural Review Board and Bedford Borough Counsil to get approval for the color “white” paint we used for the exterior, since our home is in the Historic District of Bedford.
3. Restoring the Exterior
The exterior of a Victorian home is often its most defining feature. Restoring it can involve repairing or replacing wood siding, repainting, and fixing architectural details like moldings and cornices. One of the most important aspects of exterior restoration is the paint job. Many Victorian houses originally featured bold, multi-color schemes to highlight their intricate architectural details.
- Choosing the Right Colors: The original colors of the house can often be determined by scraping away layers of paint. Many paint companies offer "historic" color palettes specifically designed to match the vibrant schemes used during the Victorian era. Popular shades include dark greens, burgundy, mustard yellow, and creams.
- Repairing Woodwork: The decorative trim and siding are often made of wood, which can deteriorate over time. Replacing damaged sections with historically accurate materials and designs is essential to maintaining the integrity of the house.
- Windows and Doors: Restoring original wood-framed windows is preferable to replacing them with modern ones. If the windows must be replaced, there are reproduction windows available that match the historical designs.
4. Interior Restoration
Inside a Victorian home, you’ll find features like high ceilings, elaborate moldings, and antique fixtures that can often be preserved or restored. However, Victorian homes may require updates to electrical systems, plumbing, and insulation, which should be done with care to avoid damaging the original structure.
- Plaster and Molding: Plaster walls were common in Victorian homes, and preserving or repairing the original plaster is often a priority. Restoring moldings and ceiling medallions adds to the historical authenticity of the house.
- Fireplaces and Mantels: Many Victorian homes have multiple fireplaces, often with ornate mantels. Restoring these fireplaces to working condition, or at least maintaining their appearance, adds warmth and character to the home.
- Flooring: Original hardwood floors are a highly prized feature of Victorian homes. Restoring them may involve refinishing the wood or replacing sections with period-appropriate materials.
- Lighting: Victorian homes were often designed for gas lamps, so modernizing the lighting system while preserving the aesthetic of the fixtures can be a delicate balance. Reproduction light fixtures that mimic the look of gas lamps but use electricity are available.
5. Blending Old with New
While historical accuracy is important in Victorian restoration, so is livability. Modern conveniences such as heating, air conditioning, and kitchen appliances are essential for most homeowners. The challenge is incorporating these modern amenities in a way that doesn’t detract from the period charm.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: These rooms will likely need the most updating to suit modern needs. However, there are many ways to maintain the Victorian feel in these spaces. For instance, clawfoot tubs, vintage-style fixtures, and period-appropriate tile work can keep a Victorian aesthetic while offering modern functionality.
- Technology Integration: Installing modern electrical systems, smart home features, or energy-efficient upgrades like insulation and windows can be done discreetly, without compromising the historical integrity of the home.
6. Preserving History for the Future
Restoring a Victorian house is more than just a renovation project—it’s a labor of love that preserves history for future generations. By maintaining the architectural integrity and character of these homes, homeowners contribute to the preservation of historical neighborhoods and architectural heritage. It’s an investment in both beauty and history, bringing the craftsmanship of the past back to life.
While restoring a Victorian home can be challenging, the rewards are immense. The satisfaction of living in a meticulously restored piece of history, combined with the opportunity to showcase unique architecture and design, makes Victorian house restoration a truly fulfilling endeavor.
7. Authentic Original Victorian Art for you restored Victorian home
After your labor of love restoring your Victorian house to its full glory, doesn’t it make sense to decorate with original authentic Victorian paintings? Visit our website:
to fall in love with beautiful original authentic Victorian art that will please now and for many years to come.
