Architectural Salvage Network

The Portland House
1693 Post Medieval English House

This late 17th century house is a rare jewel of its kind, with all the hallmark characteristics of a vernacular building style directly imported from England.  It has very pronounced original architectural principles which stand in pure form.

• Asymmetrical or atypical presentation of doors and windows
• Steeply pitched, side gabled roof with little or no rake or eave overhang
• No Cornice
• Central Chimneys
• Small windows, originally with narrow surrounds
• Diamond shaped window panes within fixed or casement sashes
• Vertical Batten Door
• Two rooms Upstairs and Two Downstairs: Hall, Parlour, 2 Bedchambers

Features in this house:

• Frame is Summer Beam constructed, 40’ x 20’ -lambs tongue terminations
• Hand Planed Wooden Ceiling
• Wide Plank Flooring
• Horizontal Feather Edge Paneling on the second floor
• Shoulder Posts

Historic Significance

“This was the only style in the English Colonies from their founding (1607-20) to about 1700.  Only a few hundred houses remain of the many thousands built in this period. The few surviving Post Medieval houses have generally been in continuous use for almost 300 years.  During this long period they have been modified, improved, remodeled and rebuilt, with the result that few reached this century in anything approaching their original form.”

“A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia & Lee McAlester