Rural Architecture: Farmhouses, Cottages, and Outbuildings

First published in 1852, this classic volume reads like the advice of a wise, experienced and rather fussy old uncle. Lewis Allen was, in fact, the "rich uncle" that got Grover Cleveland, his nephew who lived with him for a while, into the legal career which led Cleveland to become the 22nd President of the United States. Allen offers advice on every step of building a home in the country, from the choice of the land to the construction of a home and useful outbuildings upon it. From simple to complex, his designs include interior layouts and opinions on exterior embellishments, and includes his advice and opinions on everything from cellars to the ventilation of houses. Appreciating the aesthetics of a home in the country, suggestions are given for exterior color selection as well as the planting trees, orchards and gardens. Plans are also given for for bee houses, chicken coops, dovecotes, rabbit housing, barns and dairy houses, ice-houses, smokehouses and granaries. There is even a design for a water ram - a non-electric water pump. Warming to his subject, he finishes his book with advice on livestock and his opinions on dogs.