Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/528

 430 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Jan. roomy mansions, which vie with those of an}' country in beauty and elegance, conjoined with all the real comfort and luxuriance that can be bestowed on their accommodations and arrangements. The great difference between city houses and suburban dwellings is not so much in style — though, that the latter is an important one, we do not deny — as that, in the former, from the limited space available, concentration is the grand object, whereas in the latter, what we principally aim at is the enjoyment of the free, pure air, and the natural scenery Hence it is, that in all sub- urban and country residences, irregu- larity and extent have been the leading characteristics. The Italian style of architecture, which is of a mixed character, and has long been applied to domestic purposes, is one, which, from its interesting asso ciations, and its ready adaptation to the requirements of country residences, has long been a favorite, and is generally adopted. It admits of such abundant internal arrangements, and convenient accommodations on every floor, that, for this particular style of house, it is, in our opinion, unsurpassed. In Italian architecture, it has been very justly re- marked, that there are no petty orna- ments, to detract from the effect of its simplicity and breadth. None of the sky lines are broken by trifling turrets, or meagre pinnacles. The towers are generally plain, sometimes simply em- battled, and occasionally surmounted by a watch-tower, or a belvedere. There are three essential points, which in any design for a suburban or country residence, are of great import- ance — the portico, the colonnade or verandah, and the chimney-tops. These are all prominent and striking features, and should invariably be taken into con- sideration. The porch is an indispensable feature, not only for its utility, but from its affording an excellent subject, whereon to lavish architectural display and orna- mentation, always, be it remembered, in strict accordance with the general style of the building. Of the comfort and convenience of verandahs, arcades, &c, it would be almost superfluous here to speak, for, although not an absolute essential, yet they have become an almost universal appendage, in our country and climate, to eveiy dwelling with any rural preten- sions whatever. Apart from their utility, as affording shelter and protection from the weather, they are capable of so much decoration and graceful effect, that they should be taken advantage of, even more fully than they are, in designs for such residences. . Chimney-tops are a most prominent trait in Italian architec- ture ; and to the skilful use made of them — together with the other charac- teristic features, campaniles, balconies, open watch-towers, &c. — is attributable the very high favor in which that style is held at the present day. The subject of this illustration is a Suburban Residence in the Anglo- Italian Style, which has been erected near Philadelphia. It has a frontage of fifty (50) feet, and a total depth of one hundred (100) feet, including the back- building, which is only two stories in height, whereas the main portion has two stories, together with an attic, and a spacious, well-lighted loft, within the high-pitched roof. The material of which it is constructed is stone, and the cover- ing of the roof, slate of the best quality. The main entrance is through the tower, which is octagonal, ten (10) feet in diameter; and the lower story of which here forms the vestibule A, of the building. Passing through this, we enter the main hall B, ten (10) feet in width, from which access is had on one side, to the sitting-room D, seventeen feet four inches (17 feet 4 inches) by twenty (20) feet, having two windows to the front, and one on the side. This room communicates, by means of sliding doors, with the dining-room E, of the same dimensions, which also is accessi-