All About Dutch Colonial Homes
The Barn-Like Appearance of This Home Make it Unique
While the colonial style of home is fairly common, many people are unable to distinguish the differences between a Spanish Colonial, a Neo-Colonial, a German Colonial, a Dutch Colonial, and so forth. Of course, each of these variations of the colonial are generally based in specific areas of the country, to specific people, so they became fairly unique to their area. However, all colonials have similarities such as the flat facade with a completely symmetrical design featuring a center door.
History of the Dutch Colonial
During the early 1600s and into the mid 1800s, Dutch Colonial styled homes began popping up all over the states of New York and New Jersey. This specific style of colonial home is fairly easy to distinguish because of the barn-like appearance. However, while barns were built with wood, the Dutch Colonial homes were more-often-than-not built with brick and stone.
One of the famous features of the Dutch Colonial is the front door. The 'double Dutch door' is a door that is split in half horizontally. This feature allows for the top half of the door to be open, allowing in light and fresh air. Meanwhile, the bottom half of the door stays closed to prevent livestock and other critters from getting into the home.
In addition to the famous 'double Dutch door,' these homes also frequently featured matching chimneys on both sides of the home. It was also not uncommon to see an addition to the home shaped like a salt-box.
Of course, the most famous part of the Dutch home was perhaps the gambrel roof, which occasionally featured flared eaves. Legend has it that the Dutch colonists did this to avoid paying high taxes on a two story home. Having the roof pitched so low to the ground allowed their homes to appear as if they were one story homes, thus preventing them from being heavily taxed on a two story home.
Dutch Colonial Revival
For a few years, the Dutch Colonial faded out of view in the world of Architecture. However, in the early 1900s and into the mid 1900s, the colonial revival period was booming and once again colonial styled homes became popular. This of course included the Dutch Colonial.
Updated versions of the Dutch Colonial became more popular because they held the same grace and charm of the traditional Dutch Colonial but with more flair. It was also not uncommon to see different styles of colonial homes being mixed together. A Dutch Colonial style of architecture could now be mixed with some Victorian styled trim or one of their large, open porches, or perhaps some dental work, or even the occasional use of Greek columns. This time period allowed for a renewal of interest in colonial styled homes.
Unfortunately the hype for the Dutch Colonial style of home eventually died down, as with many other styles of architecture. While there may never be another revival of colonial styled homes, their legacy as part of American culture will live on for generations.
Sources:
- Realtor.org; "Dutch Colonial"
- AntiqueHome.org; "Colonial Revival: Dutch Colonial"
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