The Lehigh Valley is a treasure trove to anyone interested in historic homes. The history of the Lehigh Valley goes back hundreds of years. As a result, home types from every era can be found throughout the valley.
Many of the towns and cities throughout the Lehigh Valley have historic sections and some cities such as Allentown and Bethlehem give out grants to preserve and restore these homes. If the home has been classified as a "historic home", then a home buyer should be aware that they may not be able to modify the home.
As a result, maintainance expense should be considered if purchasing a historic home. Just an outside paint job may costs thousands of dollars if the house has intricate woodwork with a variety of color.
Historic Home Terminology and Definitions
Bethlehem Historic Homes
Historic Home Categories (many of these can be found throughout Lehigh Valley)
Ancient Classical Homes
Commonly found in government and institutional buildings, Ancient Classical was directly influenced by the classical Greek and Roman buildings. Columns and symmetry are typical in these buildings.
- Revival
- Greek Revival
- Neoclassical
Greek Revival Style
Renaissance Classical Homes
The European version of Ancient Classical types of homes. These homes usually have distinctive details at the windows, doors, and eaves.
- Italianate
- French Colonial
- Georgian
- Adam
- Colonial Revival
Italianate Style |
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Adam (or Federal) Style |
Colonial Revival Style in Bethlehem, PA |
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Medieval Homes
Medieval Homes are influenced by European and French architecture, these homes have taken many of their features from churches and cathedrals. These styles also have influences from castles with their towers, parapets, and turrets.
- Gothic
- Victorian
- Romanesque
- Tudor
- Shingle
- Queen Anne
Gothic Style |
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Shingle Style Home in Allentown, PA |
Queen Anne Style in College Hill, PA |
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Tudor Style Home in College Hill, PA |
Shingle Style Home in Nazareth, PA |
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Victorian Style Home in Nazareth, PA |
Real Estate in Allentown, Bethlehem, College Hill and Nazareth includes many Historic Homes in great condition.
Modern Homes
Early twentieth century styles tend to be simple and avoid copying details from older buildings. Arts and Crafts homes are broken into two categories.
The Praire style tends to have low-sloped roofs with wide overhangs. False gable beams were popular and there was an emphasis on horizontal lines.
The Craftsman style also had low-sloped roofs with wide overhangs but typically included tapered pillars on the front porch and exposed structural members on the exterior of the house.
Craftsman Style |
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Craftsman Style |
Craftsman style homes are found throughout all of Lehigh Valley.
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