Have you seen an old wooden saltbox before? It’s a little (typically wooden) box which was used to store salt in Colonial times, often found either hung on the wall or sitting next to the fire or stove.
Mid-18th Century Oak Salt Box with a decorative shaped hanging arrangement
The saltbox home takes its name from this little salt keeper shown above. Do you see the similarity?
Example of a saltbox home. Notice the transom window over the front door and 12-over-12 double-hung windows.
Shown here is the asymmetrically long rear roof line.
Saltbox homes generally have two stories in the front with one story in the back. The front is flat and there is a central chimney. The long sloped roof was first meant to cover a lean-to addition to the rear of the house, which is a very economical way off adding square footage.
-
- Before
-
- After – now a “saltbox”
This example was built in 1750 by Samuel Daggett in Coventry (now Andover), CT.
They are common in New England and were first seen around 1650 and remained popular thru the 1830s.
Notice the break in the roof line, which is a pretty clear indication that a lean-to was added on to the back of this original two-story house (thereby making it a saltbox).
-
- Circa 1721 example
It’s been said that the saltbox became so popular also because of Queen Anne’s taxation on houses greater than one story. The back of the saltbox house was technically just one story, so these homes were supposedly exempt from the tax.
-
- Photos from Library of Congress
Shown here is the birthplace of our second president, John Adams – a saltbox.
Today, these easily recognizable homes are starting to gain popularity again and are being built and renovated across the country.
Newly built saltbox example
An expanded and renovated 18th century saltbox in New York
Inside, it’s not about fancy moldings or high ceilings. It’s more geared towards comfort and coziness.
Notice the low ceilings, which make the living room extra cozy. Also, look closely for exposed timber beams.
The front of a new-build saltbox in Houston
Here is an example of a modern take on the old classic
A renovated saltbox with an added-on garage
When looking for your Forever Home house plans, consider this early American classic!
