In Eureka, California sits one of the most beautiful
examples of Victorian Architecture. The Carson Mansion,
with its 18 rooms and excess of 16,200 square feet was
constructed between 1884 and 1886. The cost of this
structure was an incredible $80,000.
It is a mix of every major style of Victorian Architecture
and is the most written about, most photographed house in
California, possibly the U.S.
Victorian Architecture is known by many other names and can
be of various styles. The building period of Victorian
Architecture overlaps the reign of Queen Victoria, for whom
it was named.
These structures are highly decorated and so aptly
nicknamed Gingerbread houses for all of their pieces and
gingerbread type scroll work and ornamentation.
Interestingly enough, in the U.S., Toledo, Ohio is
recognized as having one of the largest collections of
Victorian homes, East of the Mississippi. Boston is noted
in the National Register of Historic Places as having the
oldest Victorian neighborhood in the U.S.
But of course, the U.S. isn’t the only place where these
intricate creations of Victorian Architecture can be found.
Notable Victorian era cities range from London to Glasgow
to Melbourne and to New Orleans.
Typical Victorian Architecture is grand in size, containing
many functional rooms and passageways throughout the
structure. Most throughout the country are not only
fancifully decorated with intricate woodwork throughout,
but they are usually known for their grand color schemes,
both on the exterior and interior. Large inviting rooms
welcome guests into their depths.