English Cottage Revival Architecture
The movement toward English Cottage Revival Architecture came in the early 1900’s as it was a part of the Colonial Revival movement. The two were both subplots in the Tudor Revival era that dominated the end of the 19th century. Architects were in search of a new style of architecture to create and to get ideas for their new style, the look to the old English countryside for help.
The used elements from the old English style homes and the Colonial Revival movement used this English Cottage style home as a type of home in this era. World War I and II had an effect on these movements toward old English style architecture as the United States was allied together with various Old English countries.
Americans were learning more about their fellow English speaking allies politically and historically so they continued to dig deeper in their culture’s history. The interest in their style of architecture significantly grew among architects and they were used in these particular revivals.
The English Cottage is one of the most decorative home style structures but it offers much more than a scenic structure. It provided a particular comfort for the people who lived in these homes during the time as it appealed to the old country theme.
These homes provided a family atmosphere that was cozy for Americans, which I why they were highly in demand because in the eras of war, family became common American theme. The structure of the English Cottage takes the popular elements of the Tudor Revival by using steeply pitched, gables roofs in their design. The walls were usually built of marble, stucco or roof like shingles that made the structures different from other homes in their appearance.
One storybook feature that the English Cottage had was the overwhelmingly sized brick chimney. The image of the English Cottage with smoke pouring out of the chimney is one seen in many classic fairy tales. These homes are a usually pleasantly welcoming in their appearance compared to many, gothic styles of this time.
The Colonial Revival movement was influenced heavily from Britain as Americans looked in to their old world architecture and attempted to revive their elements. Architects need a style of house that consisted of multiple stories but still wanted a family atmosphere that was welcoming to the outside world.
Colonial landmarks within the United States were looked at for influence as well and one of the most popular places turned to was Williamsburg, Virginia. This colonial Virginia town had restored structures that were originally built hundreds of years ago. The English cottage is a common structure through the town and many architects used these cottages as a guide in constructing their styles during this revival era.
English Cottage Revival Architecture was an era that helped reach deep in the old English culture and was given influence from the current American society. This style was unique as it connected with Americans better then the styles of architecture that drew influence from non English countries.
In Phoenix these homes tend to be in historic Phoenix neighborhoods. You can find nice examples of this architecture in Phoenix in Alvarado historic district and Ashland Place as well as Encanto Palmcroft.
