Story-and-a-Half Vintage House

Here is an illustration of a charming story-and-a-half vintage house.

When I read the accompany description of the house on the shabby and aged pages within the book, I wanted to share those pages with you as well.

The house is described as “a fine and commodious story-and-a-half house well adapted for a country or suburban residence…

A is the fine, large veranda, and from this the front or principal entrance opens to main hall B and spacious staircase, with window on the landing, of stained glass in rich, harmonious colors, admitting a beautiful, subdued light into the hall below.

C is the parlor, 13 x 17 ft., with a broad bay-window on the front, adding much to the dimensions and appearance of the room as well as to the external effect. Opposite this is an open grate, facing the window, whose cheering flame can be seen from the street by the passers-by, if the blinds are open. Who is there that may chance to be out on the street on a cold winter night, who does not admire the view of the light of the open fire flickering through the window, suggesting warmth and comfort to those within?

E is the library of ample size, with a square bay-window on the front and a window out to veranda; it also has a grate and mantel with a closet in one corner of the room on the side of the grate.

D is the sitting or main living room. It is large, and connects with hall and parlor, with door out on the veranda L. It also has a grate near one corner. From this room a narrow hall-way leads to dining-room F, with doors on each side of hall-way, one opening into a large china closet, and the other to bath-room containing bath-tub and wash-basin.

The dining room is very pleasant, as windows and sash doors open out on each side to verandas, and admit plenty of light and air. H is the kitchen with a stair-way F to attic, and cellar under, and a window and sash door to veranda. On the opposite side, adjoining the kitchen is a large pantry I, fitted up with plenty of shelves, cupboards, and drawers; a door from this leads to veranda where there is a pump O to cistern, and other conveniences. A sink is located in the pantry, it being large enough to admit of it…

The outside, although quite plain so far as decorative effect goes, presents a very neat appearance; and with so many broad verandas on each side of the house, it suggest comfort outside in the summer time.

A fine roof of slate, cut to a nice pattern, and laid in two colors and with the ridge surmounted by terra cotta chimneys, adds in a large measure to the pleasing appearance presented by the design.”

The cost of this story-and-a-half vintage house in the late 1800s was $1,600.  

Here is a black and white clip art version of the story and a half vintage house.

Here is a black and white clip art version of the house plans from page 126.

I scanned the original pages from Our Homes and Their Adornments by Almon C. Varney. The book was published in 1882.

New in my Etsy shop this week is a second printable set of mini grunge numbers and text labels.

Preview image is linked to my Etsy shop.