Vancouver’s architecture is often difficult to distinguish as many of its homes are adaptations or amalgamations of more recognized styles. By cataloguing them, we gain an understanding of our homes and neighbourhoods, which gives us all a sense of pride in our city. With this is mind, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation provides Scout with an exclusive series that we call The Roof Over Your Head.
QUEEN ANNE REVIVAL
Contrary to its name, the Queen Anne Revival actually has very little to do with Queen Anne having more to do with its vague historical reference to English architecture. The style is lovely and picturesque with asymmetrical style and massing, a steeply pitched roof. The quintessential feature of these multi-storey homes is the corner turret with a conical rood that adds so much whimsy.
Typically in Vancouver, Queen Anne’s also include bay windows and an open verandah. The chimneys have an added level of design with projecting levels of masonry, each layer higher than the last. These chimneys are known as ‘corbelled” chimneys. It is also a popular practice to paint the exterior colums, porch brackets, and the corbelled chimneys in an array of colours. Some exteriors include gingerbread detailing similar to that on a Victorian styled home, or ornate shingling and trim. The exterior cladding is often narrow or drop siding (also known as cove or Dutch siding).
Many Queen Anne Revivals were built for prominent early Vancouverites. Due to their charm and curb appeal, there are several well preserved examples in Vancouver. Roedde House in the West End is a great example of the Queen Anne Revival style. This buildings design is attributed to Francis Rattenbury, also known for the Empress Hotel in Victoria and is a charming addition to the Barclay Heritage Square. Roedde House is now home to the Roedde House Preservation Society who offers tours, teas and special events. In that same block is Barclay Manor, originally built in 1903, now home to the West End Seniors Network.
Over in Grandview is the Jeff’s Residence. Built in 1906 for Dr. Thomas Jeff, the house is a remarkable example of Queen Anne styling. With its octagonal turret and wrap around porch the home prominently sits at the corner of Charles and Salsbury. It is now the centre piece of a development project which saw the interior converted into suites, and townhomes added to the property.
OTHER ROOFS OVER YOUR HEAD
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Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture. VHF supports Vancouver’s built history by offering educational tours, talks and lectures, courses, and special events. Launched early in 2013, the Vancouver House Styles Architectural Web Tool is a free online reference cataloguing Vancouver’s common architectural styles.