Sometimes when you are on another mission, you run across a house in the wild that just makes you say wow. This is one I wish I knew more about. What I do know is that it is in rural Indiana between Indianapolis and Rushville.
I also know it is a classic beauty. All the structural makings of a late Victorian home wrapped in brick and just enough of the trimmings to really give it flavor. (As much as I love Victorians, the Queen Anne’s and Gothics of the world sometimes go a bit overboard for my particular tastes. I appreciate them, but they don’t make my heart go pitter patter like this one did.
Pitter patter like, after a long day hiking around Whitewater Memorial State Park (just northeast of Brookville Lake) and ready to be home, I stopped and backed up to get a picture. Looking at the photo today I see why.
Here is a formal breakdown of the home.
This house is a beautiful example of a late Victorian-style architecture, showcasing several distinctive features characteristic of the era. Here are some details based on the image:
Exterior Features:
- Structure: The house is a two-and-a-half-story structure with a steeply pitched roof. The main body of the house is built of red brick, which adds to its stately appearance.
- Roof: The roof is a combination of gables and hips, with varying angles and dormer windows, adding complexity and visual interest. The gables are adorned with ornate trim, a hallmark of Victorian design.
- Windows: The house features several large, double-hung windows with white trim, providing plenty of natural light. There are also smaller windows on the upper floors, likely in the attic or turret space.
- Porch: A prominent, expansive porch wraps around the front of the house, supported by decorative white columns and detailed wooden trim. The porch includes hanging plants, adding a touch of greenery.
- Entrance: The front entrance is accessed by a pathway leading from the gate to the porch steps. The door is set back within the porch, framed by sidelights and possibly a transom window above.
- Turret: On the right side of the house, there is a round turret that extends from the first to the second floor, capped with a conical roof. This turret adds to the Victorian charm and provides a unique, curved interior space.
Landscaping:
- Lawn: The house is set back from the street, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn. The grass is lush and green, indicating regular maintenance.
- Bushes: Neatly trimmed bushes line the front of the house, adding to the formal garden feel and complementing the overall aesthetics.
- Trees: Mature trees frame the house, providing shade and adding to the serene, established atmosphere of the property.
- Fence: The property is enclosed by an ornate, wrought-iron fence with a decorative gate. The fence features intricate designs, consistent with the Victorian theme, and offers both security and a touch of elegance.
Overall Impression:
This house exudes a sense of grandeur and elegance typical of Victorian architecture. Its red brick exterior, detailed woodwork, and prominent turret make it a standout property. The combination of well-maintained landscaping and the ornate fence further enhances its curb appeal, making it a picturesque example of historic residential design.
