In the event 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 extraordinary balconies: they’re widow’s walks, a centuries-old architectural function with roots in seafaring lore.
Typically romanticized with photographs of sailors’ wives gazing out to sea ready for his or her husbands to return house, 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 alleged 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 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—lots 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 function enable views of the comings and goings of ships at sea for rich captains, however additionally they offered straightforward roof entry within the days when homes relied closely on chimneys for each warmth and cooking. Sandbags typically 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 might be seen alongside the Japanese Seaboard, particularly in New England’s historic coastal cities like Cape Cod, Nantucket, Newport, and coastal Maine. These rooftop lookouts grew to become a defining function of Nineteenth-century seaside structure, typically crowning the tops of stately Italianate and Greek Revival properties.
Whereas rooted in maritime historical past, you’ll often spot the rooftop function 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 type function as a logo of wealth.
Developments 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 immediately. For properties simply off the shoreline, a widow’s stroll might help seize water views that may not be doable in any other case.
In newer properties with widow’s walks, architects are reimagining the ornate function with cleaner traces, glass or iron railings, and seamless entry from upper-level residing areas.
In some historic districts, owners are restoring run-down widow’s walks to their former glory—not just for the out of doors residing area and unmistakable view, but in addition for the character they immediately convey to a roofline.
What to think about earlier than restoring or including a widow’s stroll
Whereas widow’s walks add plain appeal and curb enchantment, particularly to coastal-influenced properties, they’ll include challenges relating to restoration or resale.
- Structural issues: Restoring an unique widow’s stroll can imply reinforcing the roof, repairing or changing growing old supplies, and guaranteeing fashionable security requirements are met.
- Weatherproofing: As a result of widow’s walks sit immediately on the roof, waterproofing is important. Poorly sealed or growing old buildings can result in leaks, wooden rot, or inside injury 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 (and so they can increase a house’s worth and character), others would possibly view them as a upkeep danger or pointless function, particularly in the event that they aren’t useful.
Whereas a widow’s stroll could be a particular house function with potential for spanning views, it’s essential to weigh the structural, monetary, and regulatory components earlier than committing to a restoration or new construct.
How widow’s walks are getting used immediately
At the moment, widow’s walks perform much less as a device for recognizing ships at sea and placing out fires and extra for having fun with the view.
The rooftop platforms are good personal out of doors residing areas, splendid for morning espresso, stargazing, or soaking within the panorama. In properties 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 function in coastal-inspired design.
