SOUTHERN OR PLANTATION HOUSE. 



SOUTHERN OR PLANTATION HOUSE. 



UV LEWIS F. ALLEN, BLACK ROCK, N. Y.* 



The proprietor of a plantation in the south, or south-west, requires altogether a differ- 

 ent kind of residence from the farmer of the northern or middle states. He resides in the 

 midst of his own principality, surrounded by a retinue of dependents and laborers, who 

 dwell distant and apa)t from his own immediate famil}"^, although composing a community 

 requiring his daily care and superintendence for a great share of his time. A portion of 

 them are the attaches of his household, yet so disconnected in their domestic relations, as 

 to require a separate accommodation, and yet be in immediate contiguity with it, and of 

 course, an arrangement of living widely different from those who mingle in the same cir- 

 cle, and partake at the same board. 



The usual plan of house-building at the south, we are aware, is to have detached ser- 

 vants' rooms, and offices, and a space of some yards of uncovered way intervene between 

 the family rooms of the chief dwelling and its immediate dependents. Such arrangement, 

 however, we consider both unnecessary and inconvenient; and we have devised a plan of 

 household accommodation which will bring the family of the planter himself, and their 

 servants, although under different roofs, into convenient proximity with each other. A 

 design of this kind is here given. 



The style is mainly Italian, plain, substantial, yet, we think becoming. The broad 

 veranda, stretching around three sides, including the front, gives an air of sheltered re- 

 pose to what might otherwise appear an ambitious structure; and the connected apart- 

 ments beyond, show a quiet utility which divests it of an over attempt at display. Noth- 

 ing has been attempted for appearance, solely, beyond what is necessary and proper in 

 the dwelling of a planter of good estate, who wants his domestic affairs well legulated, 

 and his family, and servants duly provided with convenient accommodation. The form 

 of the main dwelling is nearly square, upright, with two full stories, giving ample area 

 of room and ventilation, together with that appropriate indulgence to ease which the 

 enervating warmth of a southern climate renders necessary. The servants' apartments, 

 and kitchen offices are so disposed, that while connected, to render them easy of access, 

 they are sufficiently remote to shut off the familiarity of association which would render 

 them obnoxious to the most fastidious — all, in fact, under one shelter, and within the 

 readiest call. Such should be the construction of a planter's house in the United States, 

 and such this design is intended to give. 



A stable and carriage house, in the same style, is near by, not connected to any part 

 of the dwelling, as in the previous designs — with sufficient accommodation for coachman 

 and grooms, and the number of saddle and carriage horses that may be reqired for either 

 business or pleasure; and to it may be connected, in the rear, in the same style of build- 

 ing, or plainer, and less expensive, further conveniences for such domestic animals as may 

 be required for family use. 



The whole stands in open grounds, and may be separated from each other by enclosures, 

 as convenience or fancy may direct. 



The roofs of all the buildings are broad and sweeping, well protecting the walls from 

 storm and frosts, as well as the glaring influences of the sun, and combining that com- 

 fortable idea of shelter and repose so grateful in a well-conditioned country house. It is 

 true, that the dwelling might be more extensive in room, and the purposes of luxury en 

 copy this design by permission of tlie Auilior. from Mr. Allen's " Rural Architecture," recently publ 

 Saxton, New- York, and whicli was reviewed in the July No. of this work, by Mr. Dowring. 



