When you’ve ever pushed alongside the coast of Cape Cod, you might need noticed open, railed platforms perched atop elegant seaside properties that look similar to a rooftop porch, an ideal spot to sip espresso or take within the view.
However these aren’t abnormal 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 dwelling, 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 properties, particularly in Nineteenth-century coastal structure.
Generally known as “roof walks” or “captain’s walks,” the widow’s stroll is claimed to be impressed by the ornamental, domed Italianate cupolas, and are seen on many seaside properties within the Northeast.
Why is it known as a widow’s stroll?
Legend has it, the title “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 had 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 straightforward roof entry within the days when homes relied closely on chimneys for each warmth and cooking. Sandbags usually lined the perimeter so chimney fires could possibly be shortly doused by tossing sand down the flue.
The place are widow’s walks generally discovered?
Widow’s walks could 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, usually crowning the tops of stately Italianate and Greek Revival properties.
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 widespread, some Midwest and Nice Lakes properties additionally adopted the Victorian-era fashion characteristic as an emblem of wealth.
Traits in restoring and constructing a widow’s stroll
Whereas not precisely a staple of recent development, some high-end coastal builds incorporate widow’s walks with the intention of mixing historic inspiration with the luxuries of as we speak. For properties simply off the shoreline, a widow’s stroll might help seize water views which may not be potential in any other case.
In newer properties with widow’s walks, architects are reimagining the ornate characteristic with cleaner traces, glass or iron railings, and seamless entry from upper-level residing areas.
In some historic districts, householders are restoring run-down widow’s walks to their former glory—not just for the outside residing house and unmistakable view, but in addition 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 simple allure and curb enchantment, particularly to coastal-influenced properties, they will include challenges on the subject of restoration or resale.
- Structural issues: Restoring an authentic widow’s stroll can imply reinforcing the roof, repairing or changing growing older supplies, and guaranteeing trendy 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 might restrict what’s allowed.
- Resale enchantment: Whereas many consumers discover widow’s walks charming (they usually can enhance a house’s worth and character), others would possibly view them as a upkeep threat or pointless characteristic, particularly in the event that they aren’t useful.
Whereas a widow’s stroll is usually a particular dwelling characteristic with potential for spanning views, it’s necessary to weigh the structural, monetary, and regulatory elements earlier than committing to a restoration or new construct.
How widow’s walks are getting used as we speak
Immediately, widow’s walks perform much less as a software for recognizing ships at sea and placing out fires and extra for having fun with the view.
The rooftop platforms are good personal outside residing areas, ultimate for morning espresso, stargazing, or soaking within the panorama. In properties close to the coast, they nonetheless supply 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, usually outfitted with trendy 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.
