No matter if it's for historical renovation or new home construction, the saltbox home has an endearing charm that dates back to colonial times.
These homes were often called wooden salt containers. Their architecture features steeply sloping roofs with longer sides than others and was built specifically for New England's snowy climate, and proved both elegant and practical.
Origins: Tracing Saltbox Homes in New England
No matter if you are searching for a historic home or designing one with a saltbox silhouette, they convey an air of American colonial history that never goes out of fashion. Their high-pitched rooflines, symmetrical rooflines, and plain central entrances are instantly recognizable; but what lies behind such an enduring architectural form?
Early Americans settled in America by building shelters designed to withstand harsh climates and freezing temperatures. As wealth accumulated among families, larger houses with greater comfort became an option; also as electricity wasn't widely available it was important that these houses made full use of sunlight throughout the day.
At this point, some homeowners would add a single-story room onto the rear of two-story dwellings in order to circumvent a tax on houses with multiple stories. Dubbed saltboxes for their resemblance to wooden boxes used to store salt, these homes provided homeowners with an efficient method to avoid this tax and conceal additional living spaces without paying it directly. Long sloping roofs that ended with single-story additions at the back helped homeowners evade paying this additional tax and avoid incurring penalty payments for houses having more than one story.
These historic saltbox houses can still be found across the U.S. and on historic registries; an iconic example is Samuel Huntington's two-and-a-half story home in Winchendon, Massachusetts which used to belong to him before it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places; now visitors have an excellent opportunity to see one in person!
The dramatic catslide roofs that characterize a saltbox house's silhouette were originally intended to prevent snow accumulation and deflect strong winds in New England weather, thus helping prevent snow accumulation and deflect strong winds. Later, this style became fashionable among barns built later on with similar rooflines. Today's modern saltbox homes may be added onto larger homes or constructed as standalone structures using this style as their foundational design.
Iconic Silhouette: Saltbox Home Rooflines
Saltbox homes are instantly identifiable as traditional New England styles, featuring two distinct roof pitches - one steep and the other more gradual - with the former often being topped with an addition that resembles a lean-to, giving it its distinct shape. Yet their slanted form was more than just decorative: its existence stems from the harsh realities of Colonial-era life.
Saltbox houses were an economical and time-saving way to add additional living space without incurring expensive or time-consuming dormer window costs. Their sloping roof also helped prevent snow build-up in New England winters - something many historic saltbox homes still show off today, including Pettengill House in Freeport Maine as an iconic example.
Saltbox homes tend to be built using relatively basic construction techniques using sturdy materials like clapboard siding and oak beams, leaving their exterior unpainted for a natural wood appearance. Color choices may depend on both the homeowner's preferences and local environmental considerations.
While saltbox homes have traditional exteriors, their interiors are thoroughly contemporary. Their open floor plans allow natural light to fill each room for a bright and airy atmosphere while their high ceilings permit exposed wood beams that add coziness and comfort.
Saltbox homes have long been a favorite architectural design throughout New England due to their timeless charm and unique silhouette. While some were built as additions or improvements on Cape Cod or Colonial-style houses, others began life as standalone dwellings. Whatever their origin may be, their timeless aesthetic makes saltboxes popular choices in New England.
Although not as common, saltbox homes remain an attractive option for those who wish to live a piece of American history. Unfortunately, due to only access from behind it is possible to add on or upgrade this home type can sometimes prove challenging in terms of upgrading capabilities.
Charming Interiors: Designing Saltbox a Home
Saltbox homes feature an asymmetrical design compared to traditional colonial houses, featuring two stories in front and one at the rear. Their steep roof slopes downward at an acute angle for an iconic silhouette. Many also include large central chimneys for heating purposes as well as wood-clad interiors designed to maximize natural lighting.
These homes are perfect for families or those who enjoy both outdoor living and indoor living, with up to six bedrooms and three-half baths for plenty of living space. Their large windows let in lots of natural light while offering breathtaking views of surrounding trees and landscape.
While saltbox homes may appear rustic at first glance, they can actually be very modern and luxurious. When searching for one to purchase, it's essential that you find a real estate agent who understands both the area and housing types well so they can help find you one that fulfills all your requirements.
New Englanders of old would often construct saltbox homes to save on taxes. When Queen Anne enacted an extra tax on two-story houses, residents would construct one-story lean-to additions on their two-story houses to circumvent this higher rate. Today, these houses remain popular because of their unique styles and characters.
While you might find it challenging to locate and renovate a historic saltbox home in New England, modern saltbox homes still exist and can be purchased and renovated. Modern saltbox homes typically adopt more contemporary aesthetics both inside and out; many find the structure's asymmetrical form and steeply pitched roof to be striking, while others appreciate its spacious floor plan capturing views of both landscape and skyline.
One Massachusetts couple who purchased a saltbox home quickly fell in love with its pastoral setting. Formerly owned by a town miller, they desired for their children to grow up somewhere that allowed them to "feel the grass beneath their feet and see the stars in the country sky". A cosmetic refresh made the house into the modernist paradise the couple desired.
Reviving Tradition: Modern Saltbox Homes
Rooflines associated with saltbox houses often serve as an inspiration when designing new homes. From Colonial designs to more contemporary interpretations, saltbox silhouettes provide the ideal foundation for any new construction - even though historical examples may no longer be easily accessible today! New developments continue to embrace its timeless design.
The Pettengill House, situated on a coastal farm in Maine and originally constructed in 1637, stands out as an iconic example of New England architecture. Restored to its original condition as a museum today, its iconic saltbox exterior and angular roofline remain just as striking today as when they first appeared over two centuries ago.
When the owners of this two-story saltbox home decided to add a kitchen, they took inspiration from its classic silhouette. Their newly designed space is filled with windows and features cathedral-like ceilings reminiscent of cathedrals, but they kept some original walls and beams intact so as to achieve a Scandinavian-style house with plenty of cozy spaces for their growing family.
Christine L. Albertsson has created a home that embodies both contemporary and traditional features simultaneously. The original saltbox home remains unchanged while an addition has been constructed with creekside views and a cantilevered roof. A fresh wall color draws the eye towards the original timber beams which were treated to preserve them for future generations.
Unity Homes' saltbox-style farmhouse by Unity Homes serves as an exemplary model of how modern homeowners can utilize this silhouette to design their dream home. The architects incorporated both a saltbox roof on the main structure, as well as standard gable roofs for the addition and garage. This combination creates an eye-catching appearance while still remaining energy efficient and functional.
Jesse Garlick loves sailing and wanted a house that reflected his affinity for solitude and self-sufficiency. As such, this modern saltbox retreat in Washington's high desert was prefabricated and completely off the grid - featuring solar panels for powering heat production as well as high thermal mass walls to regulate temperatures within its walls for heating/cooling needs.