New England Architecture 101 – Queen Anne

The final “Victorian” style and contemporary with the all-American Shingle, grand Queen Anne homes are like dreamy medieval dollhouses complete with turrets, vibrant paint jobs, ornamental trim, and wide front porches.

Time Period: 1880–1910

Characteristics: Bay windows, turrets, towers, and bold multicolored exteriors

Famous Example: The “Painted Ladies” of San Francisco, California

Where to Find Queen Annes: Throughout New England in every size, from wee cottages to grand mansions.

1. Exterior: Asymmetrical; typically painted in three or more colors

2. Roof: Steep with cross gables or large dormers

3. Tower: A round or polygonal front corner tower with a conical or domed roof

4. Windows: Large, single-pane windows and frequent projecting bay windows

5. Porch: Expansive and boasting decorative “gingerbread” spindle-work wood trim

Aimee Tucker

Aimee Tucker is Yankee Magazine’s Senior Digital Editor. A lifelong New Englander and Yankee contributor since 2010, Aimee has written columns devoted to history, foliage, retro food, and architecture, and regularly shares her experiences in New England travel, home, and gardening. Her most memorable Yankee experiences to date include meeting Stephen King, singing along to a James Taylor Fourth of July concert at Tanglewood, and taking to the skies in the Hood blimp for an open-air tour of the Massachusetts coastline.

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