The Georgian Style

 

 

Georgian Colonial c. 1725 - c. 1775

 

From The Salem Handbook, Historic Salem Incorporated, 1977

Plan

Classical symmetry of floor plan and facade composition. Central hall flanked by 1 or 2 rooms was common. Central chimney replaced by end/side chimneys.

Doorway

The main doorway often had a row of rectangular windows ( called "lights" ) in the door itself or the transom above. Columns or pilasters capped by a cornice or triangular pediment frequently framed the door. Door had 6 or 8 panels with smaller panels in middle.

Windows

Usually double-hung sash. Symmetrical placement. Pedimented dormers often used in attic. Upper story windows often flush against the frieze.

Roofline

Usually gambrel; sometimes gabled. Hip roof became popular around 1770.

Materials

Executed in wood or brick.

Decoration

On finer homes plain eaves were replaced with a molded cornice, often detailed with dentils and quoined corners.