Historic Homes Learning Center

What are the different styles of historic homes? What is it like to renovate a historic home? What’s the difference between a Historic District, Historic District Commission and National Register of Historic Places? Keep an eye on this page for answers to these questions and more!

Styles of Historic Homes

Local Historic District vs National Register of Historic Places

Historic homes can take on many different appearances - from an Early American Colonial to a Modernism-style home, this guide from Antique Homes Magazine dives into 15 different historic styles. A few fun facts about some styles include:

Early American Colonial (1640-1780) homes have medieval influence, such as steep roofs, unpainted clapboard or shingle walls, and a massive chimney.

Georgian architecture (1720-1780) features white or pastel center-entrance houses carefully proportioned and trimmed with Classical details, representing a new prosperity.

Federal-style homes (1790-1825) are well-represented in the greater Boston area. These homes have subtle influences from post-revolutionary France, including plain, flat wall surfaces and delicate ornamentation.

Greek Revival homes (1825-1860) - like our office at 90 Great Road in Bedford! - is often considered the first truly American architecture, derived from the ruins of ancient Greek temples.

Local Historic Districts are typically created by a legislative act (requiring a two-thirds majority vote in town meeting) and are governed by a local Historic District Commission (HDC). Bedford’s Historic District was created in 1964 and recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties located within the Historic District must submit applications for review and approval of any proposed exterior changes, structural alterations, and more. See the full list in the HDC brochure here. These processes ensure the preservation of the architectural heritage of our historic district.

A National Register District is part of the National Register of Historic Places. this is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. A property can be designated both as part of a National Register District and a Local Historic District, but all properties within a National Register District are not necessarily in a Local Historic District (if the town has not established one).

A property can be considered historic and not be listed on the National Register or fall within a Historic District. It’s best to check with the town to confirm!