| |
Westwood Park Bungalows
The late 19th century saw the Arts & Crafts Movement spread across Europe, the United States and all the way to Westwood Park in San Francisco, its influence most evident in the bungalow-style architecture of the area’s homes.
A reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the frilly, lacey, cluttered times of the Victorian Era, the philosophy of the Arts & Crafts Era centered around a lifestyle that paid homage to a new appreciation for nature, simplicity and man’s individuality.
Westwood Park residents are fortunate to live in homes that, for the most part, have been owned and maintained for nearly 100 years by homeowners respectful of the unique, classic architecture of their bungalows.
Although San Francisco is ordinarily cited for its Victorian and Edwardian houses, the 700-home tract of Westwood Park is the only neighborhood in The City with representations of nearly all styles of bungalows popular in the early 20th century.
Originally built as modest middle-class homes in the western part of The City, some of the styles of bungalows that can be viewed by strolling through the neighborhood include: Mission, Craftsman, Prairie, Colonial Revival, English Cottage and Spanish Revival.
Some of the common architectural elements include: oak hardwood floors with Philippine mahogany trim, beveled glass French doors, built-in dining room buffets, wainscoting, coved ceilings, tiled and/or brick fireplaces, multiple windows, sunrooms and tile roofs.
Several years ago, residents worked together to ensure that the unique character of their 1920s-era tract would be preserved by becoming The City’s first Residential Character District (RCD).
Under the RCD Guidelines, residents must obtain approval from the Westwood Park Association before any changes are made to the exterior or "envelope" of their home.
A revived interest in the Arts & Crafts Movement has given rise to an increase in the restoration of bungalows across the country as well as numerous organizations and businesses catering to the preservation of these homes.
The Westwood Park Association, in an effort to support the preservation efforts of its homeowners, sponsors occasional events related to the upkeep and restoration of bungalows. The most recent was a neighborhood walking tour with Paul Duchscherer, author of "The Bungalow," "Inside the Bungalow" and "Outside the Bungalow."
Below is a partial list of related online resources:
|
|
