Historic House Plans

by Jackie Craven

How old is this house?

Copyright © Authentic Historical Designs, Inc.

Ok, I'll confess. It's a trick question. The Queen Anne look-alike is actually a brand new house, designed by the Jackson, Mississippi firm, Authentic Historical Designs, Inc.

Most new houses reflect older styles to some extent. Colonial and Georgian designs have maintained a steady popularity over the past 200 years. But during the past decade builders have seen an increased interest in homes with a Victorian or a Country cottage flavor.

If you're dreaming of building a "new old house," you have two options:

1. Recreate history, using original plans reprinted from authentic plan books.

2. Reinvent history, using plans that have been updated to accommodate contemporary lifestyles.

Whichever option you select, here are some resources to help.

• Historic Victorian Planbooks
• Historic Bungalow Planbooks
• Historic Mail Order House Plans
• Find the Plans for Your Old House

Are new houses better? Post Your Views