If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a Colonial Revival in the wonderful neighbors in the East Side of Providence, look no further. These stately homes have all the historic charm of this traditional architecture style with plenty of modern amenities. They are situated in pristine neighborhoods with full access to all the great restaurants and shopping, parks, and landmarks of the East Side.
What Is Colonial Revival?
Colonial Revival is a uniquely American style of architecture. They are one of the most traditional home styles found in the United States. Colonial Revival took the gorgeous elements of colonial-period homes that were based on British Georgian architecture and updates them from American life. They are stately homes with a strong distinguished presence. They were extremely popular during the turn of the century, specifically in the 1890s. Colonial Revival is beloved for its timeless design and dedication to tradition.
What Are The Key Features Of Colonial Revival?
One of the most unique things about Colonial Revival homes is they are hard to distinguish from original Colonial homes and Neocolonial homes. However, you can really tell the difference in the fine details.
Colonial Revival homes tend to be fully symmetrical with each side being an exact mirror image of the other. Usually the entryway is featured right in the center, often opening to a long hallway that stretches all the way to the back. On each side of the home are evenly spaced multi-pane, double hung windows, usually framed in large moldings or featuring shutters. The doorway is always the standout feature with a large door, sidelights, fanlights, or transom highlighting the entrance. Many Colonial Revival homes feature columned porches, crown pediments, and porticos.
They are usually completely rectangular, but the symmetry may be broken by a porch or sunroom on one or both sides. The homes are usually sided by brick or clapboard. In Providence, you may find Colonial Revival homes have shingle siding, especially on the more informal Cape-style homes. The roofs are usually of a medium pitch with narrow eaves. Some homes have hipped roofs and dormers.
Other design elements you may find on Colonial Revival homes include:
- Classical columns
- Two-story pilasters
- Quoins at corners
- Dentil trim under the eaves
- Palladian style windows
What Are The Interior Characteristics Of Colonial Revival Homes?
The external architecture is only one half of what makes a Colonial Revival home. The interior also has some unique characteristics. The most prominent feature tends to be a grand entrance hall. When you first enter the Colonial Revival home you are usually greeted by a large foyer that opens up to the rooms on both sides and if a multi-story home, the staircase.
Though sharing a lot in common their predecessor of Victorian architecture, Colonial Revival homes are stripped down. They keep the bold woodwork, but chose minimal shapes for their millwork over intricate carvings. They also left the ceiling unadorned. The walls were painted with lighter shades or covered in wallpaper in fine florals or stripes with pale backgrounds. They also offer polished wood floors in warmer tones. When you look closely you can see how Colonial Revival architecture paved the way for the rise of Arts & Crafts architecture in the next decade.
Other interior features commonly found in Colonial Revival homes include:
- Large kitchens with eat in breakfast nooks
- Wainscoting or raised panel wall coverings
- White painted floor and crown molding
- Statement fireplaces
- Formal living and dining rooms
- Lots of windows
The furniture was an eclectic mixture of other revival styles including Queen Anne, Sheraton, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and American Empire. Pieces were often made from mahogany and upholstered. They were placed around the home with lots of extra space to keep the rooms feeling light and airy.
Three Stunning Colonial Revival Homes Available On The East Side Of Providence
Recently three examples of Colonial Revival homes have come onto the Providence housing market that are perfect for homebuyers looking for a period Colonial Revival:
A stunning example of Colonial Revival, this 5-bedroom, 3.5 brick home is a classic. The home has a stunning enclosed brick entryway that leads right into a large foyer. When you enter the home you are immediately greeted by a stunning foyer with a formal sitting room and dining room off to each side. You’ll immediately notice the stunning, original woodwork and wide trim moldings that defined Colonial Revival architecture. You will also notice this isn’t just your average Colonial Revival. There are also touches of Art Deco elements feature throughout the home.
While you wind your way through the first floor, you’ll notice beautiful fireplaces, hardwood floorings, and double paned windows everywhere. This bright and open space also offers two sunrooms, one perfect for relaxing with a good book in the colder months, and one for enjoying your morning coffee in the summertime. The eat-in kitchen has everything a chef could want from a six burner professional range to granite countertops to tons of storage.
With all the space and amenities, this home is perfect for a large family or anyone who loves to entertain. It’s completely move-in ready, so you won’t have to worry about making expensive updates. List price at $929,000 also makes it an incredible find for the neighborhood, amenities, and character.
Another beautiful example of Colonial Revival architecture, this beautiful brick home is located in the lovely Blackstone neighborhood. With it’s red brick, blue shutters, and white column entrance, this stately home makes quite a first impression. Featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this spacious house is absolutely charming.
When you enter the front door, you are immediately greeted by a large foyer and center hallway that goes all the way to the back of the home. To the right, there is a large formal sitting room that features a unique fireplace mantle. To the left, you’ll find a spacious formal dining room perfectly sized to meet any entertaining needs. You’ll also notice a beautiful study that is perfect for unwinding with your favorite book.
The kitchen features a quaint breakfast nook, with a built-in china cabinet. There is a large bay window that looks out onto the large backyard with a comfortable seating bench. Right off the kitchen is a large sunroom with floor to ceiling windows. You’ll also find classic woodwork, beautiful wallpaper, and warm wooden floors. At $679,000 for 3,158 square feet, the home is an absolute steal.
A Colonial Revival with extra character, this 4 bedroom, 2.1 bathroom home features a red brick exterior and a bright, open interior. The red brick exterior with black shutters offers a traditional presence, while the asymmetry of the home makes it truly unique. Throughout this classic home you’ll find wonderful features like arched doorways, fluted molding, and built-ins.
The first floor has everything you need for both function and form. The entryway features a mudroom and a grand entrance foyer that leads to a center hallway. The eat-in country kitchen is updated with modern amenities while staying true to Colonial Revival design. The formal dining room is the perfect size for small family meals or large-scale entertaining. The living room offers indoor/outdoor living with french doors leading to a generous sunroom. This unique home offers something for everyone’s lifestyle.
Upstairs you will find a large master bedroom that features a reading area and an adorable period en suite bathroom. Down the hallway are three more spacious bedrooms and another funky period bathroom. Outside, the backyard is flanked with hedges and features an elevated deck and a two car garage. Priced at $849,000, this home is a perfect match for any family.
If you’d like to see these Colonial Revival homes for yourself, contact the Providence Real Estate Guy James DeRentis at 401-553-6383.
We’ll happily set up a tour on your schedule.