Common House Styles in New England

Federal Style homes, which were popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, are often box-like. It is symmetrical, with a low-pitch roof and end chimneys. This elongated townhouse style is typically two or three stories tall. The majority of Federal-style houses have ornate entrances and windows. It was a progression from late Georgian-style homes with extremely intricate workmanship and materials. It is still popular today because it has a very elegant appearance.

This house style was popular from 1630 to 1780, during the Colonial Period. The first-period colonial homes were constructed with heavily timbered woods, diamond pane windows, and a second-story overhang. As time passed, glass was used to refine window panes, and the entrance is now surrounded by more designs. It has a high-pitched roof and is mostly rectangular in shape. A Colonial-style house is typically two stories tall with a chimney on one or both sides. It is still popular today, with numerous variations and artistic integrations.

This type of house has a very elaborate exterior design. During the early twentieth century, it was an expensive house style that was even associated with higher societal status or great wealth. Tudor homes are also the most ‘British’ in terms of architecture, with a mix of Gothic Revival elements. The first story of most Tudor homes is made of brick, and the second story is made of wooden beams, stucco siding, and half-timber frames. It’s typically constructed with overlapping front-facing gables and steep roofs. This style has a more mature appearance with arched doorways and is typically more expensive than the other types of houses.

Ranch-style houses were popular in the mid-century. It is more economical and is much preferred in suburban development.  This style of home is typically constructed with an L-shaped floor plan, a single story with a pitched roof, and an attached garage. What’s great about this look is how adaptable it is. It is also simpler and less expensive to make future changes and additions.

Introduced in the original 13 colonies, the Cape Cod style is rather simple and more functional. It is mostly occupied by small families and has a minimal aesthetic appeal. It had a basic rectangular and gable sloped roof which made it easy to build.   However, the structure of Cape Cod houses makes dealing with winter and cold weather easier. In the 1930s, it was revived and popularized. At present, it has more style and variations and is still popular and common.

Shingle houses have wide porches, continuous shingles, steeply pitched rooflines, and windows. It was originally designed as a summer destination for wealthy people during the 1880s. It features a clean and rustic look which is close to Colonial and Cape Cod. The shingles that cover the roofs and walls trimmed in white paint are what make this style unique.