Dutch Colonial Revival architecture
Dutch Colonial is a style of American domestic architecture, primarily characterized by gambrel roofs having curved eaves on the long sides. Modern versions built in the early 20th Century are more accurately referred to as "Dutch Colonial Revival," a subtype of the Colonial Revival style.
History
There seems to be some conflict on the origins of this American style of home.
- Most sources state that the Dutch settlers of New York and New Jersey built their homes to reflect their Flemish culture.
- However, at least one other source states that this style of home was built by German, or “Deutsch” settlers in Pennsylvania as early as the 1600s.
It may be worthwhile to compare the Dutch colonization of the Americas with the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Whatever the case, central to the style is a broad gambrel roof with flaring eaves that extend over the long sides, resembling a barn in construction. Earlier homes were a single room, with additions added to either end (short side) and very often a porch on each long side. End walls were generally of stone and the chimney was usually located on one or both ends. Common were double-hung sash windows with outward swinging wood casements and a central double Dutch door.
Revival in the 20th Century
This style enjoyed a revival during the first three decades of the 20th century, as the country looked back with nostalgia to its colonial past. While the original design was always reflected, some details were updated such as the primary entryway moving to the long side of the house.
Within the revival style, these more modern homes varied a great deal with regard to materials used, architectural details, and size. For example one house might be a small two-story structure of 1400 square feet with dormers bearing shed-like overhangs, while another larger example would have three stories and a grand entrance adorned with a transom and sidelights.
This house style was made famous in the film The Amityville Horror, with its attic windows looking eerily like the eyes of the house.
References
- Colonial Homes with Gambrel Roofs by Sarah E. Mitchell (including link to article regarding Dutch Colonial Revival)
- List of house styles
- Dictionary.com Definition of Dutch Colonial
- Realtor.org Overview of Dutch Colonial style (includes perhaps erroneous reference to German origin of style)