Row House Architectural Guide: Georgian

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Type of Row House Architecture: Georgian / Colonial

Years Popular: 1700-1800

Typical Characteristics:

• Symmetry, centered façade entry with windows aligned horizontally and vertically
• Two- to three-story, two rooms deep with central staircase, often spiral or double-back
• Paneled front doors, capped with a decorative crown (entablature) often supported by decorative pilasters
• Rectangular transom above front door
• Cornice emphasized by decorative moldings, commonly dentils
• Double-hung sash windows with small lights (nine or twelve panes) separated by thick wooden muntins
• Fireplace on every floor except attic
• Basement kitchen
• Entrance even with street

Architects:

• Peter Harrison
• Benjamin Latrobe
• Richard Munday
• William Payne
• Robert Twelves

Examples of Georgian Row Houses:
Built in the 18th Century, this row house has Georgian characteristics of 12 over 12 windows, a decorative crown over a paneled front door, a dormer window, and a prominent but simple cornice design. Also, considered Philadelphia colonial style, it has characteristics of Georgian that carried through to Federal.

Right next door is another 18th Century row house with almost the same characteristics. Both are located on Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia.

These homes have similar Georgian characteristics as the two above and include the original square lights above the paneled front doors.

The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, PA, is another example of the local colonial interpretation of Georgian architecture during the 18th Century. The 8 over 12 windows, square lights, pent eave, and paneled door were typical of that time.

This house in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland is a more formal example of Georgian row house design with a prominent dentil cornice and door surround.

Another example in Philadelphia. This home has decorative lintels and a formal door surround.

Another from Philadelphia.

References/Sources:

• Historic New England Architectural Style Guide
• Georgian architecture: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• The Georgian Style of British Colonial Annapolis
• Georgian Architecture of the 18th Century
• Georgian Colonial House Style