Pittville’s architecture
Images of the architectural details of Pittville houses

Introduction

Conceived during the Regency heyday of Cheltenham, Pittville in reality is a Victorian development and contains wonderful and varied examples of the wide variety of architectural styles fashionable during the early to mid 19th century.

Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and Italianate styles featured in the design of many of the villas and terraces of the estate. In terms of building materials, the most notable characteristic of Pittville houses of the 19th century is the widespread use of stucco. Another feature is the use of decorative ironwork. Many properties have verandas and/or balconies as well as wrought-iron railings, and gates.

On these pages you can find out more about the architectural styles used in Pittville, browse our library of architectural images or plan a walk to view examples for yourself.

Architectural Image Library

Browse our architectural image library to see examples of the many different styles and architectural features visible in Pittville today.

You can either browse all our images or search for particular features or style. For example you can look for features such as ironwork, windows or decoration. You can look for styles such as Italianate or Gothic.

You can find our library of images here.

Pittville Architectural Influences

Some of the key influences to look out for in Pittville are:

Neoclassical — strict rules of proportion, plain undecorated walls and windows, low-pitched roofs hidden behind parapets. Later styles incorporated the decorative flourishes of Robert Adam — particularly the use of delicate shallow mouldings in bands, swags and medallions.

Greek Revival — includes elements of Classical Greek architecture, particularly from Greek temples, such as columns, friezes and porticos.

Gothic Revival — Pointed arches, used for windows, doors, and decorative elements like porches, dormers, or roof gables. Sham battlements and Tudor styled chimneys. Steeply pitched roofs and front-facing gables with delicate wooden trim called vergeboards or bargeboards.

Italianate — low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves supported by large brackets, towers looking like campaniles, horizontal rustication, arched windows and decorative window surrounds.

Also look out for the influence of Exoticism — decorative features inspired by sources from around the world, including Egypt, the Near East, Middle East and Asia.

Coming soon: PITTVILLE’S BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS and ARCHITECTURAL WALKS