Restoring Historic Houses

Architectural details for your next project
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Architectural Elements in Historic Houses

Beautiful designs and details of historic houses in America that express the unique architectural styles in this country during the last 400 years. Find photographs and drawings of ornamental stairs, windows, doors, fireplaces, surface finishes and furnishings. Resources to restore an old house for homeowners, architects and contractors. Find travel destinations with listings of historic house museums and walking tours.

Doors

Doors, Frames and Hardware

Windows

Window Types, Hardware and Glazing

Stairs

Stairs and Balusters

Fireplaces

Fireplace, Hearth and Mantle

Finishes

Ceilings, Walls and Floors

Furnishings

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

Photographs and Drawings

Fairbanks House is the oldest wood-frame house in America​

Source Documents

Historic American Buildings Survey / Engineering Record / Landscapes Survey

Historic houses and structures in America have been documented by the U.S. Government in a program started in 1934, now referred to as Heritage Documentation Projects directed by the National Parks Commission.

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PORTALS

Photographs, Drawings and Information

Historic Details

Home Owners

Identify architectural styles, find historic house museums and photographs of vintage architectural elements.

Designers

Find historic details in photographs and architectural plans, elevations and sections. Preservation building codes and reference.

Contractors

Modern building materials for restoration projects. Drawings and documents for local preservation commissions.