Italian Villa. 95 



bell turrets arc frequently seen appended to ordinary farm bouses. In 

 many instances they are formed by carrying up the gable wall beyond 

 the roof. In large villas, the principal entrance doorway is protected by 

 a portico of sufficient size to admit the ingress and egress of a carriage; 

 but this is a feature that can well be dispensed with, as it is neither 

 elegant nor useful, and is rendered gloomy for the v.ant of sunshine. As 

 this style is particularly addressed to refined and cultivated tastes, its 

 greatest and most beautiful expression can only be attained by those 

 skilled in the composition of ornate and artistic effects. At the same 

 time, those of a lower order of talent need not hesitate to attempt its 

 elaboration. One very obliging characteristic of Italian architecture is, 

 that additions may be erected at any subsequent period, without in the 

 least marring the harmony of the composition as a whole. Mr. Lamb, 

 an English architect, remarks, in his work on Rural Architecture : "If 

 ■we were to look out for a young architect to design an edifice in the 

 Italian style, we should first show him a landscape and ask him to 

 analyze it, and next we should show him a view of an Italian building 

 and ask him to point out the causes of beauty." The Italian villa of 

 which we give the front elevation, possesses the prevailing features of 

 this style, excepting the campanile. In designing this plan, the object 

 sought was to give as much architectural beauty as a moderate cost 

 would permit. Several efl:ects, to increase picturesque expression, can 

 be added if required ; but for persons of limited means it will be suffici- 

 ently expensive, and ornamental enough to satisfy most tastes, except 

 the hyper-fastidious. The estimate of cost is about $2500, using wood or 

 brick material ; stone would increase the expense about $2000. 



Accommodation. — Entering the principal door by the way of a porch, 

 we arrive in a vestibule G >< G ; this is succeeded by a spacious hall des- 

 cribing an ellipse, the light being admitted from above. On the right 

 hand is a large drawing-room, 18 >< 21 feet; connecting with this room 

 is a bay window, and a small boudoir — which has a counterpart on the 

 opposite side of the vestibule, which would be appropriate as affording 

 protection for hats and external apparel. The room in the rear of the 

 drawing-room would answer well for a library or study; it is l\x\5 

 feet. Again, on the left side the hall, we have that indispensable apart- 

 ment, the dining room, 12 « 15 feet, of ample dimensions for the purpose. 

 This is in easy communication with the kitchen, which is also 12 x 15 

 feet, and has the usual appendage of a closet. Adjoining the kitchen is 

 a small hall, provided with a staircase communicating with the floor 



