French Villa Home Plans

¶ We have sought in this instance to combine some of the prominent characteristics of French with the rustic irregularity of English domestic architecture, and congratulate ourselves that we have been tolerably successful.

French Villa

¶ The effects manifested in picture 115 are worthy of the attention of every designer who aims to produce anything beyond commonplace results. A study of this example will convince him that bold projections alone are not really productive of all that is desirable in architectural compositions. Light and shade are the elements of pleasing effect; but these elements require peculiar treatment, as the euphonious sounds given forth by a musical instrument require the skill of a performer to weave them into melody.

Interior

¶ Fig. 116 is the plan of the principal floor. The entrance to the main hall B is effected through the veranda K and the tower A. C is a parlor, 17 by 22 feet, and D a family-room, 16 by 22 feet, the former having an octagonal and the latter a right-angled bay window. E is a very good drawing room, and F a dining room, each being 17 by 24 feet. G is a library, 16 by 17 feet; H, a lobby to private bathroom; I, verandas. The domestic offices, such as kitchen, wash-house, etc., are supposed to be disconnected from the main building, except by an open covered way. Altogether, this would make a very good Southern residence.

Villa Room Layout

¶ On the second floor, picture 117, L denotes the main hall; M, the best bedrooms; N is a dressing room; 0, a large bedroom; P, a wardrobe. It will be seen that the two latter apartments are entered by side flights from the half-landing of the stairs. A flight of stairs leads from the main hall to the roof story, which contains several good bedrooms.

Villa Plans

Villa Construction

¶ As will be perceived at a glance, this building is intended to be erected of stone, and roofed with slate. The verandas may be wood or iron; the latter material is preferable, if the limits of the intended cost will permit its use.

Cost

¶ The cost of this design may be variously estimated at from $18,000 to $20,000 (1861 price), according to the section of country in which it may be erected.

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