Real Life Willowcrest?

I recently came across an unlabeled Willowcrest on eBay that claimed it was a replica of a real house in Saratoga, NY. I scoffed a bit, knowing it was a kit, but then realized that it's quite possible this kit WAS based on a real house. I haven't seen the box in so long that I don't remember what it said. Curiosity got the better of me and off I went to Google Image Search and Pinterest.

I found several intriguing houses. This one was a house a couple toured during a house hunt. It was built in 1869, so you can get an idea of timing. They didn't specify where they were, only 'upstate New York.' Very sweet, and I especially loved the interior photos.

However, the upper level didn't have the distinct shape of the Willowcrest. It would be easier to search for that feature if I knew what it was called! So I turned to my newest book: A Field Guide To American Houses by Virginia & Lee McAlester. If you're interested in historic architecture or need a good resource for building a historically accurate dollhouse, check out this book! IT's FILLED with tons of drawings and black and white photos of house styles and architectural bits.

This house in Barrington, RI features a center gable
in the Mansard roof very similar to the Willowcrest style.

The Willowcrest is considered a Second Empire style, which ran between 1855 and 1885. It has a Mansard roof with a center gable.
It features Italianate style (1840-1885) framed doors, framed paired windows, and overhanging eaves with many decorative brackets. The example to the left is a classic real life house, and very similar to the one featured on eBay!

Why research and write about all this detail? I love real history, historic architecture, and old buildings, and will take advantage of any opportunity to look at them. I'm also in a rut and haven't been able to work on my Willowcrest in a month, and this is my way of working up interest again.

My next option took a while longer to track down, and lead me down a false trail full of gorgeous Victorian gems that you absolutely must visit when you're done here, but eventually I found it. It turned out to be an historic home struggling to find preservation. The Winans-Crippen House was built in 1871 in Saratoga Springs, NY. You can read more about its history and preservation efforts at Saratoga's Preservation Foundation site. I feel so sorry for it! I can't help wondering if this is the house that influenced the kit. Do you know of any other homes in the Saratoga area that might be a better match?

Update: 6/20/16

Came across this lovely 1870 house in New Haven, CT today.

Update: 11/9/16
Look at THIS from Woodbury, NJ:

Simply Curious

Personal blog detailing the things I've learned (frequently the hard way), the things I've made, and the things I've done or want to do. Topics will include sewing, miniatures, cooking, school, travel and miscellaneous bits of randomness that please me.

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