New England Architecture 101 – Colonial Revival
The Colonial Revival comes in many styles, but all pay tribute to America’s earliest homes.
The Colonial Revival is a homey, updated take on an American original.
Photo Credit : Illustration by Rob LeannaSpanning three-quarters of a century, the Colonial Revival era is not so much about a specific style as it is a specific vibe: namely, a nostalgic revival of the English- and Dutch-inspired styles of America’s early home-building days. Colonial Revivals come with a variety of layouts and rooflines, but common elements include symmetry, fanciful accents, and a prominent front entrance.
Time Period: 1880–1955
Defining Characteristic: Historic-meets-homey feel
Famous Example: Your childhood home (or your grandparents’)
Where to Find Colonial Revival Homes: Throughout the Northeast, including the Old Post Road Historic District of Fairfield, Connecticut
1. Structure: A second-story overhang is typical of a variation called Garrison Colonial, shown here with a one-story side-wing addition
2. Windows: Traditional shuttered upper windows with simpler paired lower windows are commonly seen
3. Entrance: Varies widely among Colonial Revival houses but is typically prominent, such as this door with sidelights (but no fanlight)
Aimee Tucker
Aimee Tucker is Yankee Magazine’s Home Editor and the Senior Digital Editor of NewEngland.com. A lifelong New Englander and Yankee contributor since 2010, Aimee has written columns devoted to history, foliage, retro food, and architecture, and regularly shares her experiences in New England travel, home, and gardening. Her most memorable Yankee experiences to date include meeting Stephen King, singing along to a James Taylor Fourth of July concert at Tanglewood, and taking to the skies in the Hood blimp for an open-air tour of the Massachusetts coastline.
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