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.

     

    second-empire-rhinebeck
    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).

    f63376fbd6a82ac6c5b4676a54281f2d
    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

     

    8a7cd28f493a
    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.

  • Tips When Hiring a Fairfield County Builder – Part II

    Country Club Homes, Inc., a leading Fairfield County custom home builder since 1955, offers the following tips for area residents who are considering building a custom new home, or renovating their current home. Reflecting our desire to educate residents who may be considering remodeling or building a custom new home, Carolyn Wheeler, of Country Club…

  • Tips When Hiring a Fairfield County Builder – Part I

    As one of Fairfield County’s leading custom home builders since 1955, our firm, Country Club Homes, Inc. has gained broad expertise in home design, building and remodeling. Out of a desire to educate people considering remodeling or building a custom new home, Carolyn Wheeler of Country Club Homes, has written the following article, providing tips…

  • Will a Builder’s Boom Lead to Higher New Custom Home Costs?

    In the past few years, the status of the nationwide housing market has reminded Fairfield County custom homebuilders like our company, Country Club Homes, Inc., of the simple rules of supply and demand. Too much supply coupled with too little demand equals lower prices, right?  While this is true, it also indicates a reduction in…

  • 2012 KBIS New Product Highlight: Kohler’s Apron Front Sink

    As a long-time Connecticut design and home building company, our company, Country Club Homes, Inc. is constantly on the lookout for new design trends and products for our custom new homes and home remodeling work. One of the new products of interest from the 2012 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show  is Kohler’s Top-Mount Self-Trimming Apron…