Saltbox

Definition

A house style, common in colonial New England, characterized by two stories in front sloping down to one story in back, creating an asymmetrical roofline that resembles the shape of a salt container.

Example Usage

The historic saltbox on the corner of Main Street dates back to the 1700s and is now a museum.

Origin

Named for its resemblance to the rectangular wooden boxes (saltboxes) used to store salt in 18th-century homes.

Fun Fact

The saltbox design was practical for expanding homes: owners could add a lean-to addition to the rear without major reconstruction.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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