Tudor 1890 – 1940

Tudor homes with their distinguishing characteristics were commonly built by financially successful owners. Tudor styles typically had elaborate masonry and stone work along with handcrafted wood trim. The Tudor home was characterized by steep pitched gable roofs, elaborate chimneys, decorative half timbering and detailed windows. The style flourished for half a century before falling out of favor around the time of the Second World War.

A Tudor entrance was part of an asymmetrical assemblage of architectural elements, some decorative and some meant to provide protection. Protection came from a thick masonry wall that allowed the door to be recessed or from a projecting bay window or small roof over the door. Renaissance embellishments included arched openings, board and batten doors, luxurious black metal door hardware, and tabs of cut stone set into the brick wall, giving a quoin-like effect.

Tudor-style houses usually had casement windows grouped in rows of three or more framed in either wood or metal. Double-hung windows were less common. Windows were often divided into six or eight rectangular panes or arranged in a diamond pattern, this latter style often executed in leaded glass. Windows were usually placed symmetrically in the main gable.

Half timbering is often found in the Tudor style home.   Spaces between wood members are filled with stucco or masonry. This construction technique was typically done on upper floors with the bottom floors being constructed from stucco, stone or brick.