15. Bay 'n Gables

    15a. Bay 'n Gables (Cambridge)

I thought that this was a rare Toronto style until I checked my ‘unknown’ files and found that it is quite common in South Western Ontario. It may appear as a single dwelling, a double, or as part of row housing.

The façade is composed of 3 sections. The central section has the entryway(s) and a verandah or porch, above which are windows or a balcony. A small gable appears at the roof line or as part of a dormer above.

                    15b. Bay n' Gables  (Guelph)

The two matching sides of the façade project and have a single or two-story bay which are topped by another gable at the roofline or on the roof.

What to look for (clues)

• The 2 sides of the façade project forward while the central area recedes.

• The entrance(s) to the building is at the center.

  • Either fancy gingerbread or dormers create 3 gables.

  • The ornamentation is usually ‘borrowed’ from existing styles with the emphasis on Gothic Revival and Italian.

• The houses are moderately large and solid.

                            15c. Bay n' Gables  (Elmira)

Where to find it

It is a style found in older sections of our cities and far more abundant than I had believed. (This is proving to be a fairly common occurrence as I attempt to identify houses.) It may also appear in rural settings.

       15d. Bay n' Gables (Elmira)

                                                    15e. Bay n' Gables (Orangeville)

Based on what I have seen, the Bay ‘n Gable homes tend to be conservative in colour.

NOTE: The style name 'Bay 'n Gables' I found in a book talking about Toronto architecture. I now believe that this style is also or very similar to the 'H' shape of the Gothic Revival.

I will also be creating an 'H'-Shaped Gothic Revival site.

See Also:

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