When building a new home, one of the major considerations is the style or aesthetic. Early New England Homes’ architecture blends the region’s history, culture, and environment, offering a timeless elegance. These houses also come in different styles with certain similarities and distinct features that can match various homeowners’ needs and preferences. Here are some of them:
Colonial
This classic New England-style home features a clean, symmetrical design and is typically two or three stories. In addition to the steep-pitched roofs, colonial houses have tall windows placed evenly and large or paired chimneys. Inside, you can expect a centerpiece, like a staircase or fireplace. The colonial home style has evolved over the years, having different types, including:
- Georgian: This style is most similar to the original colonial, except it has more details and ornamentation. For example, it may have arched doorways, decorative pediments, and columns on either side of the entryway.
- Dutch: A Dutch colonial house’s most distinct feature is its gambrel roofs, which create a cozy, barn-like look and set it apart from other colonial homes. This style also has overhanging eaves, wooden shutters, and Dutch doors.
- French: Apart from a symmetrical façade, this colonial home style has hipped or side-gabled roofs and wrap-around porches, usually on the house’s first and second floors. Of course, it’s not complete without beautiful French doors.
Saltbox
While Saltbox homes have the same clean lines as colonial styles, their roofs slope farther down the back of the house, mimicking the wooden salt containers from that period. This makes for a spacious two-story front of the house to a single-story in the rear. Saltbox homes typically have large windows, letting in lots of natural light.
Cape Cod
This New England home style may have one or one-and-a-half stories and features gabled roofs and multi-paned windows, which are sometimes accented with shutters. Dormers are also commonly added to Cape Cod houses for extra space and a unique charm, enhancing curb appeal.
Gambrel
A gambrel home is characterized by its distinct roof with slopes on each side, giving it a barn-like look. Aside from its unique charm and aesthetic, this home style allows more space on the upper floors, which could be used as additional storage or living space.
Now that you know more about the different New England-style homes, you can make more informed decisions about which best suits your needs. If you need further advice or want to check out model homes, consult a professional. Country Carpenters offers quality post and beam house kits in the styles of Early New England Homes. Contact our client advisors today or visit our model home in Bolton, CT to learn more about our offerings!