Making a Federal Case

An excellent example of classic architecture.

By Brian Vanden Brink

The Nickels Sortwell house in Wiscassett, Maine, is an elegant example of Federal- or Adams-style architecture. Completed in 1812, the house has many of the details common to the genre. The front door features a fan light, while the second floor has a Palladian window and pilasters extending to the third floor. The sidelights on the Palladian window have delicate and beautiful tracery and the door between opens onto a shallow porch. Between the pilasters on the third floor is a graceful lunette window, which provides nice views of the village. The house makes a strong case for the Federal style and is worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

A Field Guide to American Houses

If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.

Buy at Amazon

Pretty Good House

For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).

Buy at Amazon

Musings of an Energy Nerd: Toward an Energy-Efficient Home

Fine Homebuilding readers know Martin Holladay well and love his practical, cost-effective approach to energy-efficiency and green building. In this book, he walks you through every step of planning an energy-smart home that is healthy, durable, and comfortable.

Buy at Amazon

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

To Build a Future Workforce, Embrace Neurodiversity

Learning more about accommodating neurodivergence in the trades can help grow a much-needed workforce.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Discussion Forum

Highlights

Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Making a Federal Case

An excellent example of classic architecture.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Through the Lens

Up Next