The German center hall colonial was not created in a vacuum. Its origins can be traced back to the earliest colonists to North America. Typically, these houses were built with stone, which was a lot more plentiful in the colonies than in the North. They have a gabled roof which is a major line of support for the house. And yes, there is an actual front door in the center.
Aside from the front door, there are some other important features that you should look out for. This includes the front windows and a central chimney. If you are lucky, you might be able to find a small summer kitchen in your home. Having a smaller room attached to the main house allows for more space, which will help keep the heat in your main home. You may even be able to find a doorway between the two rooms.
But what about the rest of the details? In most cases, a center hall colonial isn't going to be very interesting. For instance, it is not very common to see a front window that has a view to the outside. Similarly, the design of the front entrance may be a bit odd. While many Colonial style homes have the requisite symmetrical window placement, the front door is rarely in the same location as the center hall. However, this may just be a coincidence.
One of the best ways to get a feel for the design and construction of a center hall colonial is to take a tour of one of the many restored centers of historic significance in the state. There are several in the Philadelphia area, including the Old Archaeological Society's Center for Architecture and History and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Another option is to check out the city's new museum for looted art, opened in September. Even though the museum is not quite the opulent monstrosity that is its predecessor, it is a fun place to wander and a good starting point for a family.
The best example of the German center hall colonial is the Jacob Keim farmstead located on the grounds of the State Museum of Pennsylvania in York. This quaint home was constructed from local limestone and boasts a red clay tile roof. Other key features include a large central fireplace and a double front door. Unlike some of the other buildings in the park, it is actually occupied, making it a good place to take a peek at life in the 18th century.
As with any type of architecture, there are many varieties. Most are found in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic states, and the South. But there are also examples in New England and Maryland. When it comes to the colonial architecture of the north, the most common variants are the Georgian, the Dutch and the old-style German. Those residing in the northeastern and southeastern United States might be more apt to cite the Dutch and the old-style German, because these were the regions where these houses first appeared.
Center hall colonial is a design scheme that is very popular. It's a very practical and flexible home design. This house style allows homeowners to use all of the space in the house while still having lots of room to work with. The layout also allows for versatility in decorating and accents. There are many options when it comes to accents and features, including doors, window frames, gutters, and more. You can also change the color of the roof to your liking.
One of the most recognizable features of Dutch Colonial houses is the gambrel roof, which is a symmetrical double-pitched roof with a curved eave running along the length of the building. The roof is typically made of brick and wood. Many modern Dutch Colonial buildings include a chimney in the middle of the gambrel, a feature that isn't always present in original homes.
Some Dutch Colonial houses also have shed dormers. Dormers are a good way to maximize usable square footage on the second floor. They help to keep air circulating and to allow fresh air into the house. These windows can have fanlights or pediments, and they can be in the form of Palladian or Adamesque designs. Other notable characteristics of the style include stoops, dormers, pediments, and quoins.
Original Dutch Colonial houses were usually one-story and narrow, with a chimney on the end. They were generally made of brick or stone, and they were built at an affordable price because of the cheapness of building materials. Because they were so inexpensive, they were common in the New York area. Typical features of Dutch Colonial houses include a split-plank door, an entrance porch with a decorative hood, and a wide, double-pitched roof.
The original Dutch Colonial houses were also very symmetrical. That's why they are so popular in the suburbs. During the 1920s and 1930s, Dutch Colonials were very common in the suburban landscape. In fact, the Children's Aid Society had several centers constructed in this style.
Dutch Colonial homes also feature the gable, or a long, curved eave on the side of the house. A gable is a part of the end wall of the house, and it adds to the appearance of the house. The gable also helps to give the structure a barn-like appearance.
Dutch Colonial houses are also associated with the heart, acorn, cottage shutters, a heraldic shield, and an acorn. Most of the time, these houses are two-stories. But some are one-story and some have a basement. Those with the latter are often more spacious than the former.
A gambrel roof is not as common in the Hudson Valley, where Dutch Colonial houses were originally built. Instead, brick was used. Although this makes the Dutch Colonial house more authentic, it also helps it to look more like a contemporary house. Today, this type of home is more common in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
A colonial foyer is a great part of the center hall colonial style. The foyer has a beautiful layout and can easily be decorated. Depending on the location and budget, you can use glass doors, or a decorative runner rug. Dark hardwoods are also a very popular option for the foyer, which give the room a very stately feel.
