Common Architectural Styles of Homes in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, NY has long been a destination for world-class horse racing, arts and healing mineral springs, but for those of us who live here, the City’s beautifully preserved Victorian architecture is the key to its beauty.

In fact, Saratoga’s residential neighborhoods are rich in both history and spectacular architecture. On the East Side alone, there are almost 400 buildings representing a wide variety of 19th and 20th century architectural styles.

If you’re interested in purchasing a home in Saratoga Springs, or are simply intrigued by structural design, here are 5 common architectural styles you’ll find here.

Greek Revival
These stately, usually symmetrical homes feature entry porches with columns reminiscent of the Parthenon. They are characterized by tall first floor windows, often with twelve panes (6-over-6) of glass and narrow sidelights around the front door.

Gothic Revival
Usually built in rural settings, these homes are patterned after medieval structures with a steeply pitched gable roof. They often feature wooden verge boards under the eaves, and other decorative woodwork, cut with medieval motifs, such as gothic crosses and other pointed symbols.

Italianate
These homes are distinguished by a square cupola or tower that sits atop a gently sloping roof with wide overhanging eaves and decorative brackets. Inspired by the romantic villas of Renaissance Italy, it was the most popular architectural style built in America’s Victorian era.

Second Empire
Modeled after the opulent buildings of France, these homes are easily identified by their tall mansard roof and fish scale shingles made from slate. Highly ornamented, but very practical, their vertical silhouette provides more living space on a narrow city block.

Queen Anne
This style reflects simple, solid construction and emphasizes craftsmanship. A round, polygonal, or square tower sits at the corner of the front façade and its sweeping porch is lined with slender, splindly posts. The decoration is usually ornate, and the walls and roof are made of colorful, patterned textures.

If you’re ready to take a look at some of these styles as represented on a house in Saratoga Springs, please give the Aubrey Guri Team a call at 518-583-1212 or fill out our contact form.