Dark Blue Gothic Revival Cottage, c. 1855.
The Gothic Revival style became popular in the middle of the 19th century. Architectural plan books like A. J. Downing's "The Architecture of Country Houses" helped to spread the style from coast to coast in America. The style allowed for great creativity by the builder and the detail on these houses is endlessly varied.
This example in Wiscasset, Maine was built as the parsonage for the neighboring Gothic Revival church. The photo captures the one end of the main block (at left) and the rear ell (at right) which has less detail than the main block. The side entry porch is not historic and lacks compatible detailing.
This dark blue paint scheme is not historically accurate but does contribute to the house having a romantic Gothic air about it. It also helps the replacement entry porch to blend in, somewhat disguising how out of character it is with the rest of the house.
Gothic Revival is one of 25 styles described and illustrated in Chapter 2 of "Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners."
The 720 page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book is available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author at YourHistoricHouse.com and in the shop on this page.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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Living in an historic Gothic Revival cottage like the one in Wiscasset, Maine, offers a unique window into 19th-century architectural craftsmanship and design philosophy. The style gained widespread popularity in the mid-1800s, partly due to influential architectural plan books such as A. J. Downing’s "The Architecture of Country Houses," which democratized beautiful home designs across America. One exciting aspect of Gothic Revival is how builders could express creativity—each home often tells its own story through varied ornamental details and structural features. From personal experience, maintaining a Gothic Revival home requires a delicate balance between preservation and modernization. While historically accurate colors are preferable, I found that selecting a bold, non-traditional dark blue paint, much like the example cottage, can enhance the house’s romantic and mysterious aura. This choice also helps obscure newer additions, like replacement porches, that might not perfectly match the original Gothic detailing. If you're passionate about historic preservation or planning to restore a Gothic Revival house, consulting comprehensive resources is invaluable. For instance, the chapter on Gothic Revival in "Restoring Your Historic House" provides extensive guidance, including stylistic nuances and restoration techniques. This hands-on knowledge supports both preserving architectural integrity and adapting homes for modern living. Moreover, Gothic Revival homes often feature complex rooflines, pointed arches, and decorative wooden trims, which require special attention during upkeep. Regular inspections and gentle cleaning ensure these features remain intact and vibrant. I’ve also learned that connecting with communities passionate about historic homes—through forums or local groups—provides practical advice and encouragement. In summary, living or restoring a Gothic Revival cottage is not just about maintaining a house; it’s about preserving a piece of cultural heritage. Embracing both the historic spirit and creative interpretation, such as through thoughtful paint schemes, helps keep these beautiful homes cherished for generations to come.
