Dutch colonial

Dutch Colonial is an American style of architecture that originated by German settlers in the early 1600s, mostly in Pennsylvania. These houses have gambrel roofs and curved eaves along the entire length of the house. Versions of Dutch colonial architecture built in the 20th century are usually referred to as Dutch Colonial Revival.

Features

 * Located in New York State and Pennsylvania
 * Stone or brick construction
 * Dutch doors (upper and lower halves can be opened independently)
 * Matching chimneys on each side
 * Wide, slightly flared eaves, OR
 * Gambrel roof, OR
 * Gambrel roof with flared eaves

History
With its flaired eaves and its gambrel style roof, this style of architecture created a barn-like effect. Though early homes were single-roomed, add-ons were added on either end in later styles to make a linear floor plan. The walls on the ends of the house were commonly stone and the chimney was located on one or both ends. Dormers had shed-like overhangs and there is usually a central Dutch double door.The double door is divided horizontally, which was once used to let in light and air but keep out cattle and other livestock.

The American style of the Dutch Colonial has several ethnic backgrounds. Homes were built in ways that were common to the settlers' homelands. The name of the Dutch Colonial actually refers to where the immigrants settled, in Dutch colonies (i.e, New York, Deleware). The Dutch colonial style still maintains the same basic shape but has experienced some changes. For instance, the double door is now more commonly located on the long side of the house, rather than the end. Also, the double door is usually missing, as a result of little to no livestock and improvements in electricity and cooling.

Architects
Notable architects associated with this style include: