A Federal house is one that dates back to the late 18th-century, when the classic style of North American architecture was popular. This style was popular during the early history of the United States, and it included symmetrical design elements along with five-bay façades. Federal houses are characterized by a facade that is symmetrical with a central door and a fanlight. Although the style is named for the federal government, it is actually an amalgamation of French, Dutch, and British architectural influences. These houses are often found in urban neighborhoods today, standing as a testament to the timeless beauty of simple one- or two-story structures with their gambrel roofs and two-over-two windows.Federal House Designs
The Adam style Federal house was built in the late 1700s and named after three British-born brothers who moved to the United States to practice the art of architecture. A classic example of an Adam-style house is a two-story building with a fanlight and a door with sidelights, along with two-over-two windows on the façade. The eaves are usually boxed while the window frames and cornices are quite ornate. Windows may also have smaller panes than other Federal houses.Adam Federal House
Built in 1791, the Adams-Mac Morrison House is a classic example of Georgian Federal architecture. It is located in Ipswich, Massachusetts and boasts a gambrel roof, five-bay façade, and a symmetrical layout. The facade is dominated by a Palladian entryway with two sidelights and a fanlight. It features two story windows in the front and a Palladian window on either side. The interior of the residence is decorated in a classic Federal style, with walls and wood paneling of yellow pine and beaded trim edges.Adams-Mac Morrison House
The Asher Benjamin Federal style originated in the late 18th-century and combines elements of both Georgian and Federal architecture. The facade is symmetrical and composed of two-bay sections, similar in design to the Federal house. The windows, however, are typically larger than those of a Federal house and often feature thirteen panes. The Asher Benjamin style also features double chimneys and decorative Classical details, including dentil molding and a pediment entrance.Asher Benjamin Federal Style
The Chris Gavins Colonial house is an example of Federal-style architecture. It was built in 1792 and is situated in Easton, Pennsylvania. Its facade is composed of a symmetrical five-bay section and a door with sidelights and a fanlight. It also features two-over-two windows, while the sidelines contain decorative details such as balustrades and keystones. Inside the house, the Chris Gavins style features multiple fireplaces, with decorative mantels and French doors connecting the living spaces.Chris Gavins Colonial House
The Foursquare Federal house features a two-story design with two-over-two windows, a fanlight, and a door with sidelights. It is typically made of brick and has a gambrel or hip roof. The sides of this house often feature Palladian windows and a three-bay design. This style was popular during the early 19th century and is characterized by the unique use of square-shaped rooms and patterns.Foursquare Federal House
The Georgian Colonial house is a classic example of Federal-style architecture. Its style is similar to a Federal house in that it features a symmetrical façade with a fanlight and a doorway flanked by two sidelights. It differs, however, in that the windows have twelve panes and the roof may be hipped or in the gable-front style. This type of house is identified by its red brick, white trim, and classic Georgian details.Georgian Colonial House
The Greek Revival style Federal house features a style similar to that of the Georgian Colonial house. Its façade is symmetrical and it features square or rectangular two-over-two windows. The eaves may also be boxed. This style of house is distinguished by its emphasis on classical details like columns and pediments. Inside, these houses often feature decorations and ornaments that reflect the Greek Revival period.Greek Revival House
The Italian Villa house is a classic example of Federal-style architecture. This style features a two-story design and a flat front. It is characterized by its twin parapets, balcony, and four chimneys. The windows are rectangular and two-over-two in shape. The interior of the house often features arched-top windows, an elegant staircase, and ornamental details. The Italian Villa style was popular in the late 19th century.Italian Villa House
The Selinsky-Lang Federal house is an example of an early 19th-century Federal house. It features a symmetrical façade with five bays and a fanlight. The windows are rectangular and two-over-two in shape. This style was popularized by an architecture firm founded by Leon Selinsky and Bertram Lang in New York City. This classic style of Federal architecture is characterized by its ornamental details and a general Tuscan motif.Selinsky-Lang Federal House
The Tudor Revival house is a style of Federal-style architecture that was popular in the late 19th century. This style of house is characterized by its Gothic features including its symmetrical façade, the elaborate stonework, and steeply pitched roofs. Its windows are typically rectangular and two-over-two in shape and its leaded glass windows evoke the style of an English Gothic church. Inside, the residence features thickly molded, eared mantels, and ornamental plaster ceilings.Tudor Revival House