Roof on Victorian house in Peterborough, OntarioIn it's day, this home was probably one of the nicest in Peterborough. It's now an old building close to the used-book stores that my husband and I enjoy visiting two or three times a year. Peterboruough is a university town so fascinating books can be found there.
I have no idea why this house has such a fancy decoration on its roof. A sitting area? Perhaps the view was wonderful way back when. It isn't now though.
To find other maniacs crazy about monochromes, visit Aileni at http://aileni-calonyddaear1.blogspot.com
It is very intricate, isn't it? Very nice detail that works so well in black and white.
ReplyDeleteThe house made many interesting patterns and nuances that was perfect for b & w.
ReplyDeleteI would have like to visit those book store - reading is fun!
It was just something they did though it occurs to me that there might be a water collecting area up there if you can visualise a squared-off funnel.
ReplyDeleteMakes for an interesting picture that B&W captures well.
the house is wearing a tiara ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is very strange, my nearest town is Peterborough...England..lol
ReplyDeleteI love the fancy iron work, what ever it was for....
A particular crown for the nicest home of Petersborough ! Maybe today, it comes down in the world, but it reminds its glorious past.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice roof decor. Great patterns.
ReplyDeleteThat is really special with its detail in B/W. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteGood spotting! Who knows what went on on the rooftop..! I like the shutters on the window too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment earlier :D
Not sure where Peterborough is in relation to the Great Lakes, but along the coast here they call those "Widow's Walks" Wives of sailors and captains would climb to these areas on their roofs when their mens' ships were due to return to port and watch for them. The number who didn't return gave rise to the name "Widow's Walk". So if this house is situated along the lakeshore, that could be what it is. Or if it was built by an old seafarer he might have brought that particular touch along with him when he settled there.
ReplyDeleteOr it could just have been a neat place for the original owners to take the air.
Aileni's notion of a rooftop cistern isn't a bad one either, we found out during the drought of 2007 just how much water you can get from a 1000 square foot roof with just an inch of rainfall. (Meaning the roof of a 1000 sq ft building, not actual roof area.) I forget the exact amount, but it was pretty impressive. Something like 600 (US) gallons or more.
Whatever the thing is, it renders splendidly in monochrome, and that's the point isn't it?
That's so beautiful. I love details like that which add interest.
ReplyDeleteYour photo is so good, I see the bricks cracking and the paint peeling. And who implied watching paint peel was boring?
ReplyDeleteThe thingy on top: that's where the Mrs. sent Mr. when he misbehaved.
It is very ornate up there. So much going on in this image and reading the comments as to what may or may not be puts a whole new slant on the scene.
ReplyDeleteInteresting ironwork, nice in B\W
ReplyDeleteNice shot. This is why I like old buildings. They have so much character.
ReplyDeleteSeconding MoJo's idea of Widow's Walk. Whatever, is is cool b&w.subject.
ReplyDeleteLiving in a seaport area, that typw of decoration was always called a 'widow's walk'. True or not it is very interesting. MB
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely shot - they sure don't "make them like they use to!"
ReplyDeleteYes...we also call this type of roof & iron work up top a widow's walk. I think they pop up just about anywhere - near or far from water {although, originally they were by the water!}
Thanks for some great house bling!
Very intricate and unique. Love the shot. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteWonderful old building! Looks great in BW too.
ReplyDeleteHi There, We're back from a wonderful trip. I'll post some pictures in the morning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful home... I also loved the bridge in the previous blog.
Hugs,
Betsy
Fancy, Fancy I love t!
ReplyDeleteB.
The pattern of the roof tiles (or is it brick?) adds to the elegance of this shot. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fancy veranda to me! I would love sitting up there -- heck, I would love getting up there!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about those — can you actually go up there? I hope someone decides to adopt this house and take care of it well. Such a shame to let it deteriorate.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo though!
Perhaps it could be brought back to its former glory. Anyway it is an interesting and beautiful picture. Always love to see what you have got in store.
ReplyDeleteThat house looks like it must have wonderful stories to tell. I wish it could share them.
ReplyDeleteVery nice iron work, and interesting place for such lovely craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteYou almost never find such wonderful detail on a new house. A shame really. I like this a lot.
ReplyDeleteYou know in fishing villages those are called Widow's Walks ... wives of fisherman would stand up there and look out to sea and wait for the return of their husbands ships
ReplyDeleteNice photo! I love the details - roof decor!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful shot. The black and white really make the detailing pop out. I love those old homes; we don't have too many left around my parts. Enjoy the day...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pattern. Nice picture.
ReplyDeleteAren't you just amazed at all the work? I would have loved to see this place in its finer days!
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