The Shingle Style was developed in the 1880’s for resort cottages. Before long, it found its way into suburban houses as well but remains primarily associated with summer resorts. This classic example sits in the Grindstone Neck summer colony in Maine.
The essence of the style is captured in this relatively simple cottage with its first floor capped with a voluminous gambrel roof that covers an inset porch on one side and makes space for multiple bedrooms on two stories above.
The development of the style is explored in Vincent Scully’s “The Shingle Style and the Stick Style: Architectural Theory and Design from Downing to the Origins of Wright.” Scully writes about the architects’ use of shingles to “stretch” as a uniform surface over the forms of the houses. It is increasingly rare to find these cottages with wood shingled roofs as well as walls, as they were intended to be seen. This is a lovely example that retains its original character on roof and walls.
Shingle Style is one of 25 styles described and illustrated with hundreds of color photos in Chapter 2 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors including “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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