What is a Saltbox House? Explore History, Design, & Key Features
A saltbox house is a typical American Colonial home, known for its distinctively asymmetrical roofline featuring a continuous slope all the way down from two stories at the front to a single story at the back. In fact, the saltbox home was a very practical and thrifty way for a growing family to add more living space in the 17th and 18th centuries in the New England colonies. In this blog, you'll learn about the distinctive history, characteristics, and architectural features associated with a saltbox house. So, let's start.
History
The saltbox style house has its origin in New England around 1650. The shape evolved out of necessity as growing families needed more space and added a simple single-story lean-to addition to the back of an existing two-story home. Its original roofline simply extended over the new addition, thus creating a unique, long rear slope.
The name "saltbox" comes from the resemblance of this profile to the wooden, lidded boxes used to store salt in colonial kitchens, which had a slanted top. Largely popularized through folkloric literature, one item of folklore purports that the design was a way to outsmart a tax levied by Queen Anne on houses with more than one story at the back; however, it is not actually true, since most examples predate the rumored tax.
What Does a Saltbox House Look Like? Key Design & Features
The simplicity of a saltbox house can be described by its functional and weather-resistant nature, which suits the weather conditions prevailing in New England.
Key Features
- Asymmetrical Roofline – Obviously, the most distinctive characteristic of this house is the elongated roofline located towards the back, presenting an asymmetrical look when seen sideways. This is also called the "catslide roof."
- Two Stories in Front, One in Back – Whereas the front façade of the house goes up two stories high, the back goes up only one story in height, thanks to the pitched roof.
- Central Chimney – In a central chimney, there is a large brick/stone chimney in the center of the house to distribute heat to various rooms in the house effectively.
- Simple, Flat Front – The front of the house is always flat with symmetrical windows and an evenly positioned front door.
- Timber Frame Construction – Original saltboxes featured post-and-beam construction that employed local wood, with a minimum use of metallic nails, since these were costly.
- Exterior Siding – Typically, clapboard or wood siding is used. It was often painted with an inexpensive shade of red that was naturally derived.
- Interior Design – The typical interiors included exposed wood beams and wood floors, as well as a prominent fireplace feature in many cases. The typical layout included functional elements such as the kitchen in the single-story rear addition.
Saltbox homes have been kept well up to date with all the latest facilities and conveniences of the modern house while maintaining their historic façade.
What Homeowners Should Know
Living in a Saltbox house means a combination of historic charm and practical design. The signature asymmetrical roof was originally built to take harsh weather, helping with rain and snow runoff while improving durability. This efficient structure has contributed to many Saltbox homes living long lives.
Inside, Saltbox houses could feature cozy layouts, traditional craftsmanship, and many original architectural details such as exposed beams and fireplaces. While these features add great character, many of the older homes do need to update inside for today's standards. Upgrades in insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, and energy-efficient windows can also be done.
A renovation could be one sure way to increase comfort and value in a Saltbox house, but much of its historic appeal needs to be preserved. Subtle upgrades that preserve the exterior design while modernizing interior spaces are many times chosen by homeowners.
From a property point of view, Saltbox houses are a good fit for those who like unique designs and history in their houses. Another factor could be the niche market that Saltbox houses create, at times reducing the demand. Homeowners who do not want the hassles of listing or renovating a house can consider selling their property to a professional home buyer.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of owning the Saltbox style house will provide the homeowner with the knowledge to effectively maintain, renovate, or even sell the home.
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Conclusion
Saltbox houses have classic architectural styles deeply rooted in early American history; it can be easily identified by its asymmetrical rooflines and practicality. Although originally built for durability and efficiency, these homes remain attractive to home buyers looking for character, simplicity, and historical charm. Whether you're exploring a Saltbox house for its aesthetic appeal or considering selling one, understanding its features, benefits, and limitations can help you make informed real estate decisions.
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