Driving around San Jose, you'll likely spot a range of architectural influences as diverse as our community is.

In this new series, we're highlighting the history and characteristics of unique architectural styles found in San Jose — starting with Victorian homes.

🔍 This Olde House

While many use the descriptor "Victorian" to refer to any old house, the term specifically refers to a complex + irregular style of home roughly built between 1860-1900.

This style didn't become popular in San Jose until the late 1880s and early 1890s. You'll see many examples of three distinct Victorian styles — the Queen Anne, the Stick, and the Shingle — in the Hensley Historic District, the Rose Garden neighborhood, and other areas around Downtown.

The Winchester Mystery House is a local + state historic landmark that attracts tourists from around the world. | Photo by SJtoday staff

✅ Spot that style

Queen Anne style
Inspired by pre-industrial homes built circa 1702-1714, thisstyle is all about ornamentation + mix-matched designs. For example, Sarah Winchester's infamous mansion was built in this style.

Key giveaways: Asymmetry, stained glass windows, tons of ornamental woodwork + protruding features

Stick style

This style combines decorative elements of the Queen Anne with the older Gothic Revival style.

Key giveaways: Wall ornamentation, "stickwork" trusses, fancy scroll wood work around gables + porches

Shingle style

Influenced by simpler Richardsonian Romanesque +American colonial styles, this home loses the decorative detailing, but keeps the Queen Anne's decorative detailing.

Key giveaways: Shingles everywhere, curved shapes, a prominent front gable

With it's curved window, prominent front gable, and extensive shingles — this Hensley home is a Shingle style Victorian. | Photo by SJtoday staff

🏠 Love it? Live it

If you're looking for your next home, here are some Victorians on the market today.

1900 Willow Glen Queen Anne | $1,200,000 | 2BR, 2BA | Newly restored in 2019
1901 Luna Park Victorian | $1,429,000 | 4BR, 4BA | Large sunroom + finished attic space
1888 Hensley/Ryland Shingle Victorian | $1,888,000 | 4BD, 3BA | Includes modern EV charging + a library