If you take a drive through West Alexandria, Ohio you’ll find a whole lot of farmland. What some may not notice though, is one of Ohio’s most beautiful historic homes falling to pieces, overlooking farmland that once belonged to Preble County Court Judge J.H. Markey. This gorgeous Victorian mansion was built by Markey in 1864, and contains 17 rooms, 2 bathrooms, basement and servants’ quarters spread throughout 3 stories. In addition to his position as county court judge, Markey was also a large farm owner, and had decided to build this incredible home to overlook his land. Now in a rotting, dilapidated state, the home still stands tall at the end of a long dirt driveway, gazing over cornfields as it has for 156 years.
The Victorian Era (1830-1910)
Victorian architecture emerged during the period between 1830 and 1910, during the reign of Queen Victoria. During this era, many well-known styles emerged, including Gothic revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, stick style, Romanesque style and shingle style. Much of the architecture at this time evolved from the elaborate Gothic style, which was based on the idea that architecture and the furnishings within that architecture should be a thing of beauty over practicality. Gothic architecture was coupled with French, Italian, Tudor and Egyptian details. With architects all over the world combining so many different ideas from many different styles, few Victorian era homes ended up looking the same.
