This style of Architecture is not common across the country, but it can be found in pockets of America that date back in the early 1920’s into the 1930’s. Interesting enough, during World War I, soldiers who served in France brought back with them the ideals and romantic thoughts of French architecture along with architects jumping on board via the publication of photo studies of french houses in the mid 1920’s.
French Eclectic architecture sometimes share the look of Tudor architecture due to the use of half-timber and a mix use of varying exterior finish materials such as brick and stone. However, the lack of a dominate front-facing gable, common in Tudors, sets French eclectic house plans and architecture apart from the the preceding Tudor which is English based architecture. In contrast, this style comes across in a more formal and elegant look.
As with all architectural styles, French Eclectic home designs have a few elements that are unique to its representation. Roofs are tall, steeply pitched (usually hipped) with flared eaves, and the exterior walls are finished in brick, stone or stucco. Main entry doors are commonly arched or either true half circle and surrounded by stone quoins, pilasters, or other formal detailing like pediments. Windows can be double hung but are more commonly casement. Other features may include french doors with shutters and dormers on the roof or cutting through the cornice. The roof of the dormers may be arched, circular, hipped, or gabled.