(1625 – mid 1800’s) As the early Dutch settlers made their homes along the Hudson River in New York State, they built brick and stone homes that were reminiscent of those found in the Netherlands.
Original Dutch Colonial homes are not “true” colonial style homes - the name references the Dutch colonists that settled here. However, Dutch Colonial Revival style is a type of colonial style, blending elements of Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial style homes.
One of the most distinguishing features of a Dutch Colonial style home is the gambrel roof. The gambrel has four slopes; two at the top with a slight pitch, then another two along the sides that are longer, steeper and have a distinctive “flipped” edge. Original Dutch Colonial style homes included dormers which allowed homeowners the advantage of having almost an entire second floor without the construction costs and taxation levied on a two-story home.
Other identifying features of Dutch Colonial style homes include clapboard or shingle siding, sometimes with a stone or brick front, small, round windows in the gable end, 8 over 8 windows, gable-end chimneys, and columns for porches and entries. Porches were usually placed under overhanging eaves, and while the overall shape of the home is symmetrical, many also have side entrances.
