Discover the Charm of Dutch Colonial Revival House Plans

Dutch Colonial Revival house plans embody the architectural heritage of the Netherlands’ colonial era in North America. These plans evoke the distinctive style of Dutch settlers who established colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, leaving a lasting imprint on the architectural landscape of the United States.

Dutch Colonial Revival houses are characterized by their gambrel roofs, which feature two slopes on each side, creating a distinctive ‘V’ shape. This design not only provided ample attic space but also served as a practical solution for capturing rainwater. Additionally, these houses typically have a central chimney, symmetrical facade, and a front door flanked by sidelights and a transom.

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In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the key features of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, explore their historical context, and provide insights into the architectural elements that define their unique charm.

Gambrel roof
Central chimney
Symmetrical facade
Front door with sidelights and transom
Casement windows
Wood shingles or clapboard siding
Gable dormers
Stoop or porch
Built-in cabinetry
Fireplaces

Dutch Colonial Revival houses are known for their charming and practical design, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking a blend of historical character and modern comforts.

Gambrel roof

The gambrel roof is a defining characteristic of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. It is a symmetrical roof with two slopes on each side, creating a distinctive ‘V’ shape. This design originated in the Netherlands, where it was commonly used on barns and other agricultural buildings. Dutch settlers brought the gambrel roof to North America, where it became a popular choice for homes due to its practical advantages and aesthetic appeal.

Increased attic space: The gambrel roof’s two slopes create a large attic space that can be used for storage, additional living space, or even a separate bedroom or office.
Efficient rainwater collection: The steep slopes of the gambrel roof allow for efficient rainwater collection, which can be stored in cisterns or barrels for later use.
Improved ventilation: The gambrel roof’s design allows for good ventilation, as air can circulate freely through the attic space and out through the roof vents.
Unique aesthetic appeal: The gambrel roof’s distinctive shape adds a touch of charm and character to Dutch Colonial Revival houses, making them visually appealing and easily recognizable.

Overall, the gambrel roof is a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature that contributes to the unique charm of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans.

Central chimney

The central chimney is another prominent feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. It is typically located in the center of the house, serving as a structural support for the roof and a focal point for the interior.

Structural support: The central chimney provides structural support for the roof, helping to distribute the weight of the roof and prevent sagging. This is especially important in areas with heavy snowfall or strong winds.
Fireplace and heat distribution: The central chimney houses the fireplace, which was the primary source of heat in Dutch Colonial Revival homes. The fireplace mantel and hearth often became the centerpiece of the living room, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The chimney also helps distribute heat throughout the house, keeping it warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Ventilation: The central chimney also serves as a ventilation system for the house. The warm air from the fireplace rises through the chimney, creating a natural draft that draws fresh air into the house. This helps to keep the air circulating and prevents stale air from building up.
Aesthetic appeal: The central chimney adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of Dutch Colonial Revival houses. Its symmetrical placement and often decorative design create a visually pleasing focal point that enhances the home’s curb appeal.

Overall, the central chimney is a functional and visually appealing feature that contributes to the structural integrity, comfort, and charm of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans.

Symmetrical facade

The symmetrical facade is a hallmark of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, contributing to their balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Order and harmony: The symmetrical facade creates a sense of order and harmony, with the elements of the house arranged in a mirror-image fashion. This balance and symmetry evoke a feeling of stability and tranquility, making Dutch Colonial Revival houses visually appealing and inviting.
Emphasis on the central entrance: The symmetrical facade draws attention to the central entrance, which is typically flanked by windows and often topped by a transom and sidelights. This emphasis on the entrance creates a welcoming and grand first impression, inviting visitors into the home.
Increased natural light: The symmetrical placement of windows on the facade allows for ample natural light to enter the house, creating a bright and airy interior. The large windows also provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection between the indoors and outdoors.
Adaptation to different climates: The symmetrical facade of Dutch Colonial Revival houses is adaptable to different climates. In warmer climates, the large windows and open floor plan allow for cross-ventilation, keeping the house cool and comfortable. In colder climates, the symmetrical facade helps to reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the elements.

Overall, the symmetrical facade of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans creates a visually appealing and balanced aesthetic, emphasizes the central entrance, maximizes natural light, and adapts well to different climates.

Front door with sidelights and transom

The front door with sidelights and transom is a characteristic feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, adding to their charm and functionality.

The sidelights are windows that flank the front door, while the transom is a window that sits above the door frame. These elements combine to create a grand and inviting entrance, while also providing additional natural light and ventilation.

Increased natural light: The sidelights and transom allow for ample natural light to enter the foyer and adjacent rooms, creating a bright and welcoming interior. The large windows also provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection between the indoors and outdoors.
Improved ventilation: The sidelights and transom can be opened to allow for cross-ventilation, which helps to keep the house cool and comfortable during warmer months. The transom, in particular, is effective at releasing hot air that rises to the top of the doorway.
Aesthetic appeal: The sidelights and transom add to the overall aesthetic appeal of Dutch Colonial Revival houses. The symmetrical placement of the sidelights around the front door creates a balanced and harmonious look, while the transom adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the entrance.
Privacy and security: The sidelights and transom can provide additional privacy and security for the home. The sidelights allow homeowners to see who is at the door before opening it, while the transom can be used to let in light while maintaining privacy.

Overall, the front door with sidelights and transom in Dutch Colonial Revival house plans enhances the home’s natural light, ventilation, aesthetic appeal, and privacy.

Casement windows

Casement windows are a common and characteristic feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, adding to their charm, functionality, and historical authenticity. These windows are hinged on one side and open outward, providing several advantages over other types of windows.

Increased ventilation: Casement windows can be opened wide to allow for maximum ventilation. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates or during hot summer months, as it allows for a greater flow of fresh air into the home. The outward-opening design also helps to prevent rain from entering the house when the windows are open.

Unobstructed views: Casement windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. When opened, they create a wide, clear opening that allows for a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. This is particularly desirable in homes with scenic views or those that are surrounded by nature.

Easy operation: Casement windows are easy to operate, as they can be opened and closed with just one hand. The simple hinge mechanism makes them suitable for use in any room of the house, including hard-to-reach areas such as above kitchen sinks or behind furniture.

Historical accuracy: Casement windows were commonly used in Dutch Colonial Revival houses during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their inclusion in modern-day Dutch Colonial Revival house plans helps to maintain the historical authenticity of the architectural style and create a cohesive overall design.

Overall, casement windows are a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. They provide increased ventilation, unobstructed views, easy operation, and contribute to the overall charm and character of these homes.

Wood shingles or clapboard siding

Dutch Colonial Revival house plans often feature wood shingles or clapboard siding, two exterior cladding options that contribute to the home’s historical authenticity and aesthetic appeal.

Historical accuracy: Wood shingles and clapboard siding were commonly used on Dutch Colonial homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their use in modern-day Dutch Colonial Revival house plans helps to maintain the historical accuracy of the architectural style and create a cohesive overall design.
Durability and longevity: Wood shingles and clapboard siding are known for their durability and longevity. When properly installed and maintained, they can last for decades, providing long-term protection for the home’s exterior. Wood shingles, in particular, are known for their resistance to rot and decay, making them a suitable choice for homes in humid or wet climates.
Aesthetic appeal: Wood shingles and clapboard siding add to the overall aesthetic appeal of Dutch Colonial Revival houses. The natural texture and grain of the wood create a warm and inviting look that complements the home’s traditional design. Clapboard siding, with its horizontal planks, adds a touch of rustic charm to the home’s exterior, while wood shingles provide a more refined and elegant appearance.
Energy efficiency: Wood shingles and clapboard siding can contribute to the energy efficiency of Dutch Colonial Revival homes. Wood is a natural insulator, helping to regulate the temperature inside the home and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, the thick, overlapping layers of wood shingles provide excellent sound insulation, reducing noise pollution from outside sources.

Overall, wood shingles or clapboard siding are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate exterior cladding options for Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, contributing to the home’s overall charm and character.

Gable dormers

Gable dormers are a characteristic feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, adding to their charm, functionality, and historical authenticity.

Increased natural light: Gable dormers provide an effective way to increase natural light in the upper floors of the house. The large windows in the dormer allow for ample sunlight to enter the rooms below, creating a bright and airy interior. This is especially beneficial in homes with low ceilings or limited natural light from other sources.
Additional space: Gable dormers can provide additional living space in the upper floors of the house. The dormer creates a small room or alcove that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a bedroom, study, or playroom. This extra space can be valuable in smaller homes or those with growing families.
Improved ventilation: Gable dormers can also improve ventilation in the upper floors of the house. The windows in the dormer can be opened to allow for cross-ventilation, which helps to circulate fresh air and reduce moisture buildup. This can be especially beneficial in warm or humid climates.
Historical accuracy: Gable dormers were commonly used in Dutch Colonial homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their inclusion in modern-day Dutch Colonial Revival house plans helps to maintain the historical accuracy of the architectural style and create a cohesive overall design.

Overall, gable dormers are a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. They provide increased natural light, additional space, improved ventilation, and contribute to the home’s overall charm and character.

Stoop or porch

Dutch Colonial Revival house plans often feature a stoop or porch, which is a covered entrance area that provides a welcoming and functional space.

Increased curb appeal: A stoop or porch adds to the overall curb appeal of the home, creating a charming and inviting entrance. It enhances the home’s architectural character and makes it stand out from neighboring houses.
Protection from the elements: A stoop or porch provides protection from the elements, such as rain, snow, and sun. It allows homeowners and guests to enter and exit the home without getting wet or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Additional living space: A porch can be used as an additional living space, extending the home’s usable area. It can be furnished with comfortable seating and used for relaxation, entertaining, or enjoying the outdoors.
Historical accuracy: Stoops and porches were common features of Dutch Colonial homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their inclusion in modern-day Dutch Colonial Revival house plans helps to maintain the historical accuracy of the architectural style and create a cohesive overall design.

Overall, a stoop or porch is a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. It enhances the home’s curb appeal, provides protection from the elements, offers additional living space, and contributes to the home’s overall charm and character.

Built-in cabinetry

Built-in cabinetry is a hallmark feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, adding to their functionality, charm, and historical authenticity.

Increased storage space: Built-in cabinetry provides ample storage space throughout the home, helping to keep it organized and clutter-free. It can be incorporated into various rooms, such as the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedrooms, providing dedicated storage for dishes, linens, books, and other household items.

Customized design: Built-in cabinetry can be customized to fit the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. It can be designed to accommodate different storage requirements, such as shelves, drawers, and compartments of various sizes. This allows for efficient use of space and ensures that the cabinetry seamlessly integrates with the home’s interior design.

Enhanced aesthetics: Built-in cabinetry not only provides functionality but also enhances the aesthetics of the home. It can be crafted from high-quality wood and finished to match the home’s overall design scheme. The cabinetry’s clean lines and integrated design create a polished and sophisticated look that adds to the home’s charm and character.

Overall, built-in cabinetry is a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. It provides ample storage space, can be customized to meet specific needs, and enhances the home’s overall design.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a central feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans, contributing to their warmth, comfort, and historical authenticity.

Heat source: Fireplaces were the primary source of heat in Dutch Colonial Revival homes, providing warmth and comfort during the colder months. They were typically located in the living room or dining room, where they could gather family and friends.
Focal point: Fireplaces often served as the focal point of the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The mantelpiece above the fireplace was often elaborately decorated, becoming a showcase for family heirlooms or artwork.
Architectural detail: Fireplaces in Dutch Colonial Revival houses were often designed with intricate architectural details, such as carved moldings, decorative tiles, and elaborate surrounds. These details added to the home’s overall charm and character.
Historical accuracy: Fireplaces were an essential element of Dutch Colonial homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. Their inclusion in modern-day Dutch Colonial Revival house plans helps to maintain the historical accuracy of the architectural style and create a cohesive overall design.

Overall, fireplaces are a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and historically accurate feature of Dutch Colonial Revival house plans. They provide warmth, comfort, create a cozy atmosphere, and contribute to the home’s overall charm and character.