Origin: Britain then the United States, 19th century, inspired by Italian country villas.
Italianate appeared in Britain then spread to the United States in the 19th century, inspired by Italian country villas. It is recognised by low roofs, wide eaves carried on decorative brackets, tall windows with arched or curved heads, and sometimes a square tower. The facade feels rich without being too heavy.
In Vietnam it suits taller villas and wide-fronted townhouses wanting a romantic European air. In humid, salty humid coastal regions use GRC or fibre cement for brackets and mouldings rather than timber, anti-alkali paint, and careful drainage at the eaves. Tall arched windows need thick or double glazing to cope with storm winds and reduce heat from the western sun.
