The short answer is Yes and No. Gambrel is more a roof style than a house style, but is often applied to homes hence the Dutch Colonial House Style.
These homes typically include a gambrel roof with a double slope on each side of the building, and often look like what often is called a “barn”. Usually they are faced in wood clapboard or shingles, varying in size and building materials, and most have a symmetrical front facade and a classical wide, open entry portico.
Homes that have chimneys often have them placed at one or the other end, not usually in the center of the home like colonials. Here’s an example of a big Dutch colonial floorplan:
Also, homes with the gambrel end (double-sloped side) facing the street tend to be earlier, dating from 1800- 1900, while those with side-facing gambrels and a broad front dormer tend to date from 1920-1950.
The use of the gambrel roof is no longer popular in home designs except for fake facades on new shingle-style mansions. Here’s an example of a small Dutch village colonial floorplan:
It still continues to be used a lot for barns, due to its limited framing and large resulting interior space.
First-time homebuyers will find these affordable “starter” houses on smaller lots and in nice neighborhoods. Because of this, their appeal is very high, and their resale (if priced properly) happens quickly.
If you like this you’ll like Mike Hunter, the House Hunter as your Realtor even better. He knows the Sudbury market and has represented many happy Sudbury households to buy or sell for years. Please feel free to forward his profile to others you feel would benefit from his services.
Call Mike 978-580-1069 today.
For a full list of architectural styles click here.
People also ask about other House Styles of New England click here
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