If you happen to’ve ever pushed alongside the coast of Cape Cod, you may need noticed open, railed platforms perched atop elegant seaside houses that look similar to a rooftop porch, an ideal spot to sip espresso or take within the view.
However these aren’t unusual balconies: they’re widow’s walks, a centuries-old architectural characteristic with roots in seafaring lore.
Usually romanticized with photos of sailors’ wives gazing out to sea ready for his or her husbands to return residence, there’s much more to widow’s walks than a tragic story.
What’s a widow’s stroll on a home?
A widow’s stroll is a railed rooftop platform that tops many historic coastal houses, particularly in Nineteenth-century coastal structure.
Generally referred to as “roof walks” or “captain’s walks,” the widow’s stroll is alleged to be impressed by the ornamental, domed Italianate cupolas, and are seen on many seaside houses within the Northeast.
Why is it referred to as a widow’s stroll?
Legend has it, the identify “widow’s stroll” comes from the wives of sailors who would climb to the roof to look out over the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of their husband’s ship—a lot of whom, tragically, by no means returned.
However past the lore, widow’s walks have been each a standing image and sensible.
Not solely did the ornate roof characteristic enable views of the comings and goings of ships at sea for rich captains, however in addition they offered simple roof entry within the days when homes relied closely on chimneys for each warmth and cooking. Sandbags typically lined the perimeter so chimney fires might be shortly doused by tossing sand down the flue.
The place are widow’s walks generally discovered?
Widow’s walks may be seen alongside the Jap Seaboard, particularly in New England’s historic coastal cities like Cape Cod, Nantucket, Newport, and coastal Maine. These rooftop lookouts turned a defining characteristic of Nineteenth-century seaside structure, typically crowning the tops of stately Italianate and Greek Revival houses.
Whereas rooted in maritime historical past, you’ll sometimes spot the rooftop characteristic farther south, particularly in port cities like Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA, the place America’s seafaring affect formed a lot of the native structure. And whereas much less frequent, some Midwest and Nice Lakes houses additionally adopted the Victorian-era type characteristic as a logo of wealth.
Tendencies in restoring and constructing a widow’s stroll
Whereas not precisely a staple of latest development, some high-end coastal builds incorporate widow’s walks with the intention of mixing historic inspiration with the luxuries of right this moment. For properties simply off the shoreline, a widow’s stroll may help seize water views that may not be potential in any other case.
In newer houses with widow’s walks, architects are reimagining the ornate characteristic with cleaner strains, glass or iron railings, and seamless entry from upper-level dwelling areas.
In some historic districts, owners are restoring run-down widow’s walks to their former glory—not just for the out of doors dwelling area and unmistakable view, but additionally for the character they immediately convey to a roofline.
What to contemplate earlier than restoring or including a widow’s stroll
Whereas widow’s walks add plain appeal and curb enchantment, particularly to coastal-influenced houses, they’ll include challenges on the subject of restoration or resale.
- Structural considerations: Restoring an unique widow’s stroll can imply reinforcing the roof, repairing or changing growing older supplies, and making certain fashionable security requirements are met.
- Weatherproofing: As a result of widow’s walks sit straight on the roof, waterproofing is crucial. Poorly sealed or growing older buildings can result in leaks, wooden rot, or inside harm over time.
- Permits and zoning: Including a brand new widow’s stroll, particularly in a historic district, could require particular permits or design approval from native preservation boards. In some areas, peak restrictions or architectural tips may restrict what’s allowed.
- Resale enchantment: Whereas many patrons discover widow’s walks charming (they usually can increase a house’s worth and character), others would possibly view them as a upkeep danger or pointless characteristic, particularly in the event that they aren’t useful.
Whereas a widow’s stroll could be a particular residence characteristic with potential for spanning views, it’s essential to weigh the structural, monetary, and regulatory elements earlier than committing to a restoration or new construct.
How widow’s walks are getting used right this moment
At present, widow’s walks perform much less as a instrument for recognizing ships at sea and placing out fires and extra for having fun with the view.
The rooftop platforms are excellent personal out of doors dwelling areas, supreme for morning espresso, stargazing, or soaking within the panorama. In houses close to the coast, they nonetheless provide unbeatable sightlines to the water; inland, they supply a perch above the treetops or metropolis skyline.
Some widow’s walks are purely ornamental, preserving a house’s historic structure with out useful entry. Others have been thoughtfully restored or reimagined as rooftop terraces, typically outfitted with fashionable railings, cozy seating, and even small container gardens.
Whether or not restored, reimagined, or admired from afar, widow’s walks are a sightly reminder of America’s seafaring historical past—and a coveted characteristic in coastal-inspired design.
