SAVU LLC

7 Best New England Style Homes

The New England style homes have a unique look. Houses in New England are inviting, homey, charming and always with character. One of the things many visitors admire about this region is its quaint architecture. In this post at SAVU LLC we will discover the 7 best housing styles of New England. Let’s get started!

1. British Colonial

The English Colonial is one of the most common housing styles in New England, finding these in any town (from Manchester and Nashua to Andover and Boston) is almost a given. This style dates back to colonial times. As the name suggests, the English Colonial derives from the homes English settlers lived back in England. This home style is known for its simple and symmetrical design. It is usually rectangular in shape and has two stories underneath a moderately pitched roof. These homes are a good choice for those who prefer more space, such as families. But English Colonials may not be appealing to those who don’t like two stories and all the maintenance and costs that comes with it.

Get Free Tile Installation Estimates in New Hampshire & Massachusetts.

2. Cape Cod

A New England classic, this style originated in our region from the early settlers as a simple structure to fit the harsh climate. It is known for its steep roof, symmetrical front doors and windows as well as the use of cedar shingles. The Cape Cod is a very functional style with a cozy atmosphere which is helpful in combating the harsh winters by use of low ceilings and a central fireplace. Because of that it became very popular after 1950 as it was an affordable and practical option for many new families. Since its resurgence after 1950, it is common to see Cape Cods with dormer windows and even brick exteriors, appearing more elaborate than the original styles the settlers built. This is a good option for those seeking simple, affordable homes, as well as empty nesters who don’t want the hassle of larger McMansions.

3.Victorian

AQueen Ann Style

B. Italianate Style

C. Folk Style

Well known and beautiful, Victorian homes emerged during Queen Victoria’s reign in the late 19th century. These homes have an intricate design and heavy ornamentation of both interior and exterior. You may notice that there isn’t just one type of Victorian home; in fact, there are around 10 different styles of Victorian homes found throughout the United States. We will discover three of the most common styles found here in New England, as the other styles are more common in other regions. The most ubiquitous style here is the Queen Anne, followed by the Italianate and Folk style Victorian.

The Queen Anne style is usually what comes to mind when thinking of Victorian homes. It features detailed wood work, bright colors, large bay windows as well as a tower or turret. These are usually considered the most elegant of the Victorian styles and for good reason as it gives a very opulent appearance.

The Italianate style is derived from Italian villas, featuring a shallower roof pitch, large eaves with ornamental brackets under such eaves. The Italianate is more simple than the Queen Anne with less ornamentation.

The Folk style it is the most simple and the most common Victorian style. A walk through any neighborhood and you will find many historic houses feature this style. It is a farmhouse by structure and architects took this simple structure and added Victorian touches such as detailed wood work and larger windows.

Despite its many types, Victorian homes are recommended to those who love historic homes with detailed designs. 

Get Free Tile Installation Estimates in New Hampshire & Massachusetts.

4. Federal

Known as America’s first style, the Federal was created after the American Revolution. Almost exclusively found on the east coast, New England is blessed to have this gem of a style found throughout. Federal style homes are almost always brick-clad, giving it a stately appearance. Though not as decorative as Victorians, Federal style homes have a wealthy aesthetic of its own. Though not as well known as others we have mentioned, famous buildings are indeed built in Federal style; two examples would be the Otis House Museum as well as the Oval Office of the White House. Remodeling Federal style houses can be a bit more difficult in preserving the subtle finishes that make them unique. This New England style home is a good choice for those who like to preserve a special piece of history.

5. Brownstone

Though not exactly a house per se, Brownstone townhouses are common in urban areas such as Boston, Portland and Manchester, NH. These beautiful townhouses are what make New England cities unique. Similar to the Federal, Brownstone townhouses are usually stone or brick-clad. They feature the classic stoops off of the sidewalks, giving a homey look to an otherwise crowded, urban setting. Brownstones are usually no more than four stories high and offer more space than most apartments. Largely built in the 19th century, Brownstones are sturdy and many have been renovated, giving a more upscale appearance. As Brownstones are found in urban areas and share walls, it may not suit those who prefer quieter towns and yard space. They are also expensive and remodeling can have limitations as there are historic preservation codes in some cities.

6. Salt Box

Originally from New England, the Salt Box is known for its lack of symmetry. They are typically one story in the back and two stories in the front, creating an asymmetrical roof line when looking from the side. The origin of the Salt Box home was an extension from a classic colonial to make room for large families. The name “Salt Box” was though to come from the shape of salt containers during British rule in America. Aside from its unique roof line, Salt Boxes are very similar to English Colonials in design. Many love Salt Box homes as it is a classic New England style home with a slightly quirky roof line.

7. Dutch Colonial

The Dutch Colonial is another common Colonial home found in New England. Similar to the English Colonial, Dutch Colonials are usually two story homes with symmetrical, rectangular structures. What makes the Dutch Colonial unique is its gambrel roof, what many think of as a barn roof. This roof is two-pitched with the top being shallower. The Dutch Colonial was popular from the 17th century until the 19th century. The style had a widespread revival in the early 20th century. To this day, you can find many Dutch Colonials throughout New England, we definitely notice a lot here in Southern New Hampshire!

This sums up our list of the 7 best New England style homes. At SAVU LLC, we take joy in being able to do remodeling work (like backsplash, bathroom or floors tile installation) in so many of these beautiful homes.

Get Free Tile Installation Estimates in New Hampshire & Massachusetts.

error: Content is protected !!