William Morris by George Frederic Watts, 1870 Many of Morris’ theories about how one should live were brought to fruition when he created The Red House, built by Philip Webb in 1859. The home showcased paintings, wall-hangings, furniture and stained glass all of which would come to be associated with the Arts and Crafts style. Everything was created by hand. His work and those associated with Morris was showcased in 1862 at the International Exhibition. Within a few years, the style flourished.
While they designed many homes, the Gamble House remains their chief masterpiece.
The home is located at 4 Westmoreland Place, a private road which runs parallel with Orange Grove Blvd. There are gates placed on either end of the road.
The house is an infusion of styles which include the Swiss Chalet as well as having a traditional Japanese influence.
It has wide terraces and open sleeping porches. Broad overhanging eaves and cross ventilation keep the house quite cool.
Here is a close up of the wooden split shakes that cover the exterior of the house as well as one of the many identical cement pots created specifically for the outdoor plantings.
No mere tiles or brass numbers provide the address for this grand home. An exterior lantern features a wonderful number “4”.
The backyard features a vast green lawn and a lovely pond filled with koi.
Lanterns dot the landscape throughout the property.
To the right of the home is a man’s dream. A separate garage that features a massive built-in workbench, bathroom, and rear offices.
For those who love movie trivia, the garage scenes in “Back to the Future” were filmed here.
The Arts and Crafts bungalow style became popular throughout America when Sears and Roebuck, as well as Radford, offered Craftsman bungalow plans through the mail.
Hallmarks of the style include:
- A low-pitched, gabled roof
- Wide overhanging eaves
- Exposed rafters
- Tapered or square columns supporting roof or porch
- Hand-crafted stone or woodwork (materials were often mixed throughout structure)
Wednesday’s post on Arts and Crafts Interiors will look at how the Arts and Crafts movement influenced the interiors and furnishings of homes.
Laura
That was so educational- Thank you for the terrific post! I learned that years ago in design scholl and had not thought about it in years- thank you so much, it is quite enjoyable!
Those are so beautiful! Thanks for being such a great virtual tour guide. 🙂
I love your posts on different styles! I think they are fascinating. American trends are such a huge part of our history. Thanks for sharing your expertise!~Liz~
Nice post, Laura! I’ve always had dreams of living in an old craftsman bungalow. We live about 30 min east of Pasadena up against the same foothills and have lots of beautiful bungalows all around us. But here I am, in my 70’s stucco box, doing my best to give it some cottagey charm and character. After 15 yrs, it’s pretty cute so I think we’ll stay — and admire the bungalows on long walks and home tours. Glad you had such a good time in So Cal!
What a great post – interesting and informative! My husband would love that garage/workshop. Beautiful homes.And thank you again for the wonderful giveaway – I’m thrilled to have won.Lorrie
That place is amazing. What talented, creative people. I can’t even make my family room look decent.Love this post. Keep em’ comin’*hugs*
Looved that first house! Beautiful, and practical in the sun! And had a timberstyle look to it too (that I really like)Monica
I always learn so much visiting here. I love all the exquisite work in this style. Wouldn’t have loved to live during this time and sit in on a brainstorm session? I know I would! Great post, very informative.
We have several bungalows in our neighborhood. Very solid architecture. Mimi
I loved this post. So many beautiful pictures and loads of information. Bungalows are fabulous.
amazing! i love especially the simplicity that is in fact a detailed in a special way,and it is perceived kind of smoothly,