Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest and largest cities. This means it holds a vast array of interesting facts, such as being the first location in America for several architectural styles to show up. The architectural styles of homes in Philadelphia help to tell a story of the decades in which they were built. You will find that the array of homestyles helps to uphold that Philadelphia is one of the longest-standing cities in the country, with one of the longest and most detailed histories.
One prominent archectural style you will find in Philadelphia is the Italianate home. You can find an impressive collection of these homes in West Philadelphia in neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill.
History of Italianate Homes in Philadelphia
Italianate homes started popping up in Philadelphia around the 1850s. These homes gained attention for their softer style and more romantic feel to building a family and cozy lifestyle.
Samual Sloan was a prominent archtect iu Philadelpha at the time. He played a large role in designing many of these homes on the west side of the city just prior to the Civil War. Italianate homes were a focus on suburban living and growing families in peacefull setting as opposed to the Greek Revival rowhouses that dotted the more uban areas of Philadlephia. Horse-drawn streetcar becoming more common among citizens allowed homeowners to live father from work. Single family detached homes in an Italianate style were in high demand in the mid 19th century in Philadelphia.
Characteristics of Italianate Homes
- hipped roof
- pilasters
- balustrade
- semi-circular arches
- walls of stone or stucco
- box shape
- brick facade
- wood and glass cupolas
How to Find Italianate Homes for Sale in Philadelphia
If you are looking for a charming Italianate home with great classic residential homey features in Philadelphia, you want an experienced Philadelphia real estate agent at your side. A buyer’s agent who not only knows how to negotiate a deal and help you to write an offer but an agent who knows the homes and architectural styles of Philadelphia and makes sure they have the best knowledge possible of where to find these homes and when new homes that meet the criteria come on the market.
You want someone working for you who will get you a head start on finding your ideal Philadelphia home. Let the team at Victory Real Estate help you discover your home-buying goals and purchase your dream Philadelphia home. Contact us today to get started on the exciting adventure of finding your next Philadelphia home.