Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty | Know Your Architecture: Craftsman

From whence it came: Craftsman architecture, also known as Arts and Crafts, was a reaction to the excesses of Victorian architecture. It marked a return to simplicity, beginning in Britain in the late 1880s and America at the turn of the century, where it was popular until Ranch architecture took over after World War II. It has since come back into vogue, where it will likely stay, because Craftsman’s cozy bungalows with their handcrafted wood details — inside and out — are a satisfying way to experience what has been called “serious architecture.”

What to look for: Low-pitched roofs with wide eaves and triangular bracketing, a dominant chimney and porches with thick square or round columns atop tall or wide bases. Exposed beams are common, too, outside on porches and inside in rooms, which typically also feature built-in furniture and built-in light fixtures. Craftsman’s more open floor plans were a reaction, too, to the smaller, boxier rooms of other styles.

Famous examples: The Gamble house of 1908, in Pasadena, California, by brothers Charles and Henry Greene, who also designed the Craftsman house in the 2005 movie Zathura. Charming Craftsman homes also feature in Must Love Dogs and Monster-in-Law.

Why it works: A Craftsman house’s simple, elegant design keeps it from seeming dated, and its typically high-quality construction stands the test of time.

Where to find it: Today, original Craftsman homes can be found in pockets across North Texas. New homes inspired by Craftsman architecture are highly desirable, too. A Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty agent can find the perfect one — old or new — for you.

To see all the luxury homes, ranches and land offered by Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty visit briggsfreeman.com.

This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty | Know Your Architecture: Craftsman."