Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Home Style of the Month: Second Empire

    The Second Empire style was most popular in the United States in the 1860s and 1870s, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In its time, the style was considered modern and fashionable, simultaneously favored in France and the United States by affluent homeowners.

     

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    OldHousonline – French Connection

    The style originated in France, where some French architects used the phrase “horror vacui” – the fear of unadorned surfaces – to describe the Second Empire style and its emphasis on heavy ornamentation. Second Empire homes became prominent in France during that country’s “second empire,” the reign of Napoleon (1852-1870).

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    Iron cresting on mansard roof

    A tall mansard roof with wrought iron cresting is the most prominent distinguishing feature of this style. The roof was considered both visually appealing and practical since it created a fully functional attic space.

    Appropriate for a style focus in October, Second Empire homes are often featured in Halloween imagery as the quintessential haunted house.

    • Elements of Second Empire Style
    • Mansard roof with decorative slate pattern
    • Cast iron decorative cresting at roof
    • Patterned tiles on roof
    • Segmented arched windows
    • Prominent arched doorway
    • One story porch
    • Tower

     

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    Credit: decorpad.com – Arched Doorways

    At Country Club Homes, we stay in touch with the latest custom home design trends to share exciting new ideas with our clients. Contact us today at 203-762-0550 or visit us at countryclubhomesinc.com to learn more about our work.

  • Solid Wood Windows Popular in High End Connecticut Homes

    Are you building a custom new home or beginning a remodeling project that includes new wood windows? Today’s wood windows used in window replacement and new construction have high energy efficiency; the traditional look of wood windows on the interior and exterior; and a true divided lite fitting the character of a New England style Connecticut…

  • Beautiful Outdoor Living Spaces by Fairfield County, CT Home Design Firm

    Country Club Homes, Inc. of Fairfield County, Connecticut is an award winning custom home building company dedicated to creating beautiful outdoor living spaces, where even the smallest details represent the classic design and craftsmanship Country Club Homes is known for. Whether your custom new home plans calls for an outdoor living and entertainment space, a…

  • 2012 Design Build Showcase Benefits Fairfield County Community Foundation

    Plan ahead and mark your calendars for the 2012 Design Build Showcase to benefit the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The Design Build Showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16th at 731 Smith Ridge, New Canaan, Connecticut. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance. Are you thinking about building or renovating? Sign…

  • 2012 New Construction Starts Strong

    Country Club Homes, Inc is a Fairfield County, Connecticut custom home builder looking forward to 2012 with anticipation for two reasons: first, we love what we do; secondly,  CNN Money.com is reporting that, “New home construction got off to a strong start for the year, with housing starts and building permits rising in January on…