Author Description

An unabridged republication of Selected Designs from Shoppell's Modern Houses, originally published by The Co-Operative Building Plan Association, Architects, 63 Broadway, New York, 1890. This rare catalog of residential designs is an invaluable guide for architectural historians, preservationists, and anyone attempting to restore a Victorian-era home. Besides acting as a guide to over 250 house plans, the book offers builders and homeowners essays in interior decoration and landscaping. It includes dozens of examples of architecture popular at the turn of the century including bungalow, stick-style, Gothic revival, chateau style, Queen Anne, and Eastlake influenced designs. More than 800 photos and line drawings illustrate front and side views, and floor plans complete with dimensions. Written descriptions include general dimensions, suggestions for interior finishes, color schemes, and cost estimates. The book begins with humble cottages estimated to cost less than $1,000 to build and expands to homes that would run over $10,000. There are also several row houses, a hotel, bank, church or meeting hall, a boathouse, and a seven-room school plan, plus plans for a carriage house and nine stables. Essays provide tips for an ice house, greenhouse, a cistern, heating and ventilation, removal of household waste, plumbing and drainage, and landscape gardening. There's even a charming children's playhouse.