File:American homes and gardens (1909) (17968050030).jpg

Title: American homes and gardens
Identifier: americanhomesgar61909newy (find matches)
Year: 1905 (1900s)
Authors:
Subjects: Architecture, Domestic; Landscape gardening
Publisher: New York : Munn and Co
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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;P TO the present It has been the custom to print iUustrations of houses without giving the cost, or, at most, giving an approximate price. On taking this subject up with various building contractors, it was found that in no case has a house been built at anywhere near the cost given with the illus- tration. The trouble is due principally to one of three causes: First, the house was built several years before, and all know that labor and materials are continually advancing, and a house built three or more years ago would cost perhaps twent)' per cent, more to-day. Secondly, many architects figure roughly at so much per square foot, others per cubic foot, forgetting that the same square or cubic area may be finished in pine with no orna- mental trim, or in mahogany with carved beam ceilings and heavy wainscoting—the cubic prices would, of course, vary considerably. Thirdly, it will be noted that nearly all of the illustrated books of houses with estimated prices originate in Western cities, and it would cost usually one hundred per cent, more to build the same house in the vicinity of the city of New York. This state of affairs has discouraged many intending house- seekers, and we now propose to do what we have never seen before, that is, to illustrate and describe an artistic dwelling, giving a definite figure at which a reputable firm of builders have guaranteed to build this dwelling absolutely complete and with no extras whatever, except lighting fixtures, which are never included In a building contract. It will be seen at a glance that the house has been carefully studied, both for comfort and homelike effects. At the very entrance the front door, by its unique design, gives promise of an attractive Interior. The porch is roomy, and floored with red tiles, giving a warm, substantial aspect the moment you set foot on it. The dining-room Is entered also through a casement open- ing, which can be tastefully hung with draperies, and around the walls is a heavy paneled wainscoting, six feet high, with a wide plate-shelf running all around. Four crossed beams in the celling add to the inviting appearance of the room. At the back, under two criss-cross casement windows. Is a combination dresser and china closet built Into the wall—a handsome ornament in itself, and completing the stamp of coziness, which is the greatest charm of a dining-room. I he butler's pantry is ample, and thoroughly equipped with cupboards. The kitchen has every modern convenience, the range Is of the best make, an enameled Iron sink, soap- stone wash-tubs, and tile hearth; the careful alignment of the galvanized iron pipes completing the symmetry of the room "where woman's work Is never done." It will be noticed that even the Ice-box has been allotted a place where it can stand away from the heat of the kitchen, and the maid's comfort has been consulted to the extent of a small porch which she can enjoy all to herself. Upstairs are four good-sized bedrooms, with plenty of closet room, and the bathroom is finished in white enamel and nickelplated pipes throughout. The attic is entered through a scuttle, and has ample room to store all the trunks and other articles Innumerable that are only wanted at long intervals. The floors are of narrow boards of comb-grained North Carolina pine, and finished in wax, so as to fit them for rugs if desired. Chestnut is a wood with a beautiful grain, which can be tinted in many attractive ways and colors, and for that rea- son It has been selected for the entrance-hall, stairs, living- room and dining-room, the rest of the house being finished in fine cypress and stained any color the owner may choose. A good dry cellar is an absolute necessity, and this one is well floored with concrete to give an even, dry surface. The coal-bin is placed near the steam-heater, and the house Is supplied with a steam-heating apparatus capable of heating every room to seventy degrees in zero weather. Even the doors of the rooms have been carefully worked out, and are just "different" from what is commonly found in homes. 7 he upper panel Is divided into small square openings filled with beautifully colored hammered glass, and when the room doors are closed, the effect from the hall, as you reach the second floor. Is a pleasant surprise. Now as to the outer walls of the house, and those are Its most important features. Instead of wood framing, the walls are made of terra-cotta hollow tile, and the exterior covered with cement stucco. These hollow tiles are new, and yet they are old. They are new In that they have now been
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The elevations: Front and side

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