I am quite sure this is the most charming residential architecture style of all time. Its called Storybook...and doesn't it evoke that childhood fantasy of Princesses (I don't know about you- but I think of Snow White in the enchanted forrest) and, possibly, Hansel and Gretel?! I've adored this style as a young person ever since a Storybook style roofline struck me as different (of course, I didn't know it was called Storybook style then!). This style was hot during all the Romantic Revivals in the 1920's, which explains why there are so many of them (well, relatively speaking- its not like there are entire neighborhoods of nothing but this style!) out here in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Just adorable.

This is a house in my grandparent's neighborhood (which is chalk full of revivals of all types- I love their neighborhood!). Its recently received a facelift and of course, I made a note to photograph it when it was completed! I love the roof, which also happens to (typically) be the most defininig element in Storybook architecture. Here is a close up:

How cool and intricate and amazing. This Storybook roof is more detailed than the norm.

I'm not sure if the photo is coming through all that well- but there are metal components in addition to the various size and shapes of the shingles. Just amazing.

Edited on June 14, 2010 to note that Steve Fuller of Storybook Roofs did this work. Isn't it great?! He contacted me after coming across this blog post. Im so glad he did....because now I know who to hire if I ever need his specialty service! He is the go-to "storybook roof man"! Click here to view more of his work on his website.

And, here is a book you may be interested in! I've had this one since design school- what a great addition to your library! I highly recommend it if you love revival style residential architecture (and, if you are here on Maison Classique...I would assume you do!). Book info: "Storybook Style, America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties" by Arrol Gellner and Douglas Keister, Penguin Books, 2001.

A fun Link to check out if you want to learn more and some designer jargon regarding this style: StoryBookers.com

Resource for the go-to storybook roof contractor: Steve Fuller of Storybook Roofs