Colonial Virginia House
The colonists who first settled Tidewater Virginia used native timber, such as yellow pine or poplar, to construct their homes. As a finishing touch, they beaded the outer edges of the boards used for the siding. This detailing might be considered one of the hallmarks of colonial workmanship because beading was common on both horizontal and vertical siding, as well as on door and window frames. These colonial homebuilders also placed special emphasis on dormers. The proportions of Colonial Virginia dormers were distinctive, and the pitch of gabled dormers often assumed the same pitch as the main roof. In keeping with these architectural traditions, our Colonial Virginia House had beaded-board siding accented by brick at the foundation, chimneys, and rear terrace. Five pedimented, gabled dormers mark the front of the house. Understatement and simplicity characterize the comfortable, livable floor plan.
