Saltbox Style
Definition and meaning of Saltbox Style in real estate.
A saltbox-style home is a traditional New England architectural style characterized by a wood-frame structure with a steep, asymmetrical roof line that slopes down to the rear. The style features a two-story front facade and a one-story rear facade, resembling the wooden salt storage boxes used in colonial times.
In more detail
Originating in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, saltbox homes were designed to accommodate growing families while navigating colonial tax laws. Adding a lean-to roof at the back allowed homeowners to expand their living space under a single roof slope, which was often taxed at a lower rate than a full second story.
The steep roof slope also helped heavy snow slide off easily during harsh northeastern winters. These homes typically feature a central chimney, double-hung windows, and a simple, unadorned exterior. Today, original colonial saltbox houses are highly prized for their historical value, and modern replicas are built across the United States.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Origin | Colonial New England in the 1600s |
| Watch out for | Limited headroom on the sloped second floor |
| Also known as | Saltbox house |
An antique home enthusiast purchases a restored colonial saltbox-style home in Massachusetts, appreciating the classic asymmetrical roofline and the large central fireplace that heats the house.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a saltbox house have an uneven roof?
The long, sloping rear roof was originally designed to cover a first-floor extension, called a lean-to, which was added to the back of the house to expand living space easily.