The Saltbox:
The Saltbox style started in New England. The name “saltbox” was given to this style of home because it is similar in shape to the box that people once kept salt in. This style consists of 2 floors in the front of the house and one floor in the back, as seen from the exterior by a pitched or “catslide” roof. Some believe that this style originated as a way to get around Queen Anne’s taxation on multiple story houses. Since the house wasn’t technically 2 stories throughout, it was exempt from these taxes. However; The more likely explanation is that this style was an easy and cheap way to increase living space.
common features
- long, pitched (catslide) roof
- wooden frame
- 1 story in back 2 in front
- asymmetrical sides
- central chimney
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