Tudor revival architecture was probably the most popular of all period revival styles across the United States during the “Roaring 20s.” Sometimes referred to as “Stockbroker Tudor,” the expense of building these houses was always great, hence this nickname. One might think it is not the most natural fit to southern California’s sunny climate, yet it was indeed very popular here despite itself, appropriately modified to take advantage of the lovely weather. The picture of the Tudor Manor (above) is illustrative of adapting the form for more sunshine. Notice that there are four individual casements grouped together on each side of the chimney — one would more typically see two or three such individual casements in this type of design on the East Coast or in the Midwest. Of course this provides much more light to the interior, brightening what people typically think of as the dark Tudor interior.
TUDOR MOTIFS: Tudor Manor, Brick Diapering of Tudor, Stucco Tudor
Tudor houses are very charming and picturesque, so naturally they have always appealed to the “dream makers” of Tinseltown. The signature characteristic of houses in this style is the prominent front facing gable. There are usually steeply pitched roofs of slate or wood shingles, half-timbering of dark or painted wood and stucco, but also sometimes in-filled with herringbone or basket-weave brickwork, stone accents, tall mullioned windows of leaded glass in various patterns, high multi-flue chimneys, jettied (overhanging) second floors, dormer windows, and oriole windows supported by consoles.
