Our newest listing at 3603 Vineyard Place in Columbia Tusculum was built during the Roaring 20’s (1927 to be exact) and has often been called a Tudor Revival. While Tudor Revival and “Tudor-esque” homes certainly do abound in the Queen City, is this home one of them?

Well, not quite.

The home actually exhibits more of the French eclectic architectural style than anything else. The twist is that this style is not a single style, but a range of styles inspired by French domestic architecture and reflective of the many different regions of France. And like just about any architectural style you can think of, it can display influences from other styles, in particular English Cottage, English Revival and Tudor Revival.

The French Eclectic style began in the early 20th century and was very popular for about 30 years. Its earliest appearance in the United States (1900–1915) was influenced by the elaborate Beaux Arts and Chateauesque styles, while later houses were influenced by more modest French homes seen by soldiers returning home from WWI. Ah, the romanticism of the charming French countryside!

So what, then, are the main characteristics of the French Eclectic style?

~ Most notable for the French Eclectic style is the roof, which is steeply pitched, hipped, and often has flared eaves.

~ The style boasts massive chimneys, typically brick not stone.

~ Homes can be symmetrical and formal in plan, or asymmetrical and rambling like a good large farmhouse should be.

~ While this style can have many similarities to the Tudor Revival style, such as half-timbering and materials used (brick, stucco, stone!), the absence of a front-facing cross gable easily distinguishes it.

~ Rounded towers with conical roofs (a/k/a ” Norman towers”) were frequently built, especially in asymmetrical designs.

~ Dormers were common–gabled, hipped, and arched dormers are seen “through-the-cornice” which creates a distinctive facade. Roof dormers are common as well. And, depending on the design preferences, front entrances could be accessed through half-rounded, covered porches with much detail, or simple undecorated stoops.

~ This style features windows that may be casement or double hung with minimal wood trim as well as French doors.

However, although we may be squeezing out the differences between English and French-influenced styles, just remember, “a rose is still a rose by any other name”…and, in this case, 3603 Vineyeard Place is a beautiful home no matter architectural style it is called.