Has it been remodeled since it was built? The entryway is definitely Craftsman; the rest I haven't a clue. I'm wondering if it was a Craftsman that somebody tried to modernize.

That's what I was thinking, as well. Looks like the windows have been replaced, and am also wondering if the sunroom is an addition? Bungalow, or American shingle is possible. Both will leed to the same color palette.

I know the sunroom was once an open porch many years ago. The windows are original but have storm windows over them and layers and layers of old paint which I can't begin to confront.

Sounds like a wonderful project!

I hope so but I'm so nervous about paint colors!

Paint can always be changed if it doesn't look right. I find I need time to think and reflect on it before I choose a color. So take your time and try to envision it with the different colors. I'm slightly envious. I would love to have an old house to restore. Have fun!!!

Not Craftsman...maybe columns were replaced. But more Greek Revival...1870 was too early even for English Arts & Crafts...just post Civil War, so influences of the DC Greek porticos. Handsome house! Good luck!

My guides take it back to 1865 or so, but you have a point- and builders were as likely to pick and choose decorative elements from more than one style, to complicate things. dablf, if you got to Bricks and Brass and search under Aesthetics movement, you will find palette choices in keeping with the essence of the era, all of which would look extremely well with your house. Good luck!

studio10001, what a great site Bricks and Brass is. Thanks for the info.

You don't want to head craftsman here - definitely victorian w/ greek revival influences -
Someone back in the 50's or 60's probably "updated" the entry columns by raising their bases out of their original proportions - probably each side had a pair of columns that sat only on a pedestal of 2' or so above the landing porch

She is a beauty - work with the red brick in some accent trim at the windows / maybe the sashes - look at the victorian color palettes. That will help you get the best look for your lovely historic home.

The page I've sent her to takes that into account, libradesigneye...keeping in mind that the victorian era was a long one and saw a shift of palette in later years. You bring up another good point, though - victorian houses typically used three colors on their exteriors, should dabfl wish to play up what remains of that style on her exterior.

Wonderful old house. Have you gone to look at the city records? They could have some old photographs & history on your home. Talk to any older neighbors you might have. Some of these old houses had dog runs that we're later added on to in order to connect the two sides. Good luck.

What the local historical society? Also, I heard that homes were painted with certain colors to indicate religious affiliation. Surely, white was for Baptists since there are soooo many white homes in the South.

The local historical society & city records. City records will show original title & occupation of owner & sometimes plans.

The realtor told me it has been designated a historical home but I don't have info on what society yet. I haven't moved to the area yet when I finally get moved I will check into all the records. Can't wait to start digging in on the history of the place.

Looks like a farmhouse style...or maybe thats just wishful thinking on my part..i love it..how much fun this project would be...gosh, id even call it a southern farmhouse, unless of course it isnt in the south...:-)

They have local, state & national historical societies. Since the realtor said it is "designated" I would imagine it to be state or national. Depending on the percentage of change in the home, it can be historical because of the structure or historical because of the person that built or lived in the home. If it is because of the structure you will not be able to make certain exterior changes to the house. Enjoy your new home. It is a beauty!

It's in the south, Dee. Georgia.

I knew that I probably wouldn't be able to make any structural changes if it was designated but I loved it so much that was OK. I really do need to find out about exterior alterations. I was looking at some of the comments and browsing the net and saw some old farmhouse type homes with shingles on the gable (is this correct) mixed with wood below which knocked me out.

Are you talking about natural shingles? I couldn't answer that.

This house most closely resembles what is known as a Victorian Stick. "The Stick style is a transitional style which links the preceding Gothic Revival with the subsequent Queen Anne; all three styles are free adaptations of Medieval English Building traditions." p. 256, McAlester, Virginia & Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. Alfred A Knopf, 1984. Most significant are the steep gabled roofs and the use of the horizontal wood siding. The proportion of the windows are most definitely Victorian period. The applied stickwork set into the gables is the one very particular identifying feature of this house classifying it into the Stick style. Handsome!

Thanks so much Steven! I need to find the book you sourced but for now heading online.

....even if its Eclectic now!

I totally missed the vertical wooden strips. I'm now leaning more toward the Victorian Stick house.

You are welcome. Do get the book, it is my all time favorite book about houses! You will love it.

So helpful. I think after looking at many descriptions and images that in many ways it does most resemble Victorian Stick. The color palette is going to be key and now the search begins. Any suggestions, images or links would be great. This site is great and the people on it work like a huge brainstorming team. Thank you!

Another book that might help you is called "Painted Ladies". It is all about the Victorian houses in San Francisco and the way they were meant to be decorated on the exteriors. Since the Stick is a relative of Queen Anne, there could be some reference to the style you want in that book.

My amazon account is getting a workout.
Thanks Steven!

Steven, funny you mention the field guide! It was the first "house" book I bought over 20 years ago. I spied it as I walked past the bookcase earlier and thought that I should look up that house someone had a question about on houzz this morning! I thought they would have it in there. I think it is a great book for anyone that is interested in learning or looking up different styles of houses! Lots of pjhotos and drawing of architectural details to esxplain the differences in styles. There. Book report done! :)

You probably can get the books in the library too. They most likely carry these titles.

The painted ladies were a result of Victorian style on the west coast - different from what was happening on the east coast ( and getting reviews of garrishness as early as the mid 1800's as a result) Think you'll find that earthier tones were favoured on the east coast at the tiime your house was built. I'd be interested to know what the original owners chose for your home. Are there ohter houses of the period still standing in your neighborhood? Maybe you are not the only one researching...