Dutch colonial revival architecture refers to a style of house that mimics the style of houses that existed in the Low Countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) as well as regions of Germany and France. This style is particularly popular in regions of North America where Dutch and German settlers arrived from Europe, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Typically, these buildings feature gambrel-roofs, use of stone or brick, double chimneys, centered front doors, and shuttered windows.
A distinction must be made between historic Dutch-style buildings, such as the church depicted above, which were built during the Pilgrim times (1600s), and Dutch colonial revival architecture, which were built in the 19th and 20th centuries to emulate these original settlement buildings. In a sense, Dutch colonial Revival architecture is imitating an imitation, as the original buildings were constructed to hearken back to the homeland architecture that the settlers were used to in Europe. This really demonstrates the circular nature of architecture and how different styles come in and out of vogue and inspire later periods. New York City was a popular location for these revival style buildings, which is unsurprising considering that the city was once a Dutch colony. Stone Street, in the financial district of Manhattan, was rebuilt in 1903 in the Dutch revival style.
Although stone and brick were the original building materials used for Dutch revival homes, as the style spread to regions outside the traditional hub, other materials were used. For example, there are Dutch revival style homes here on the West Coast, but they are usually built with wood as that is one of the most common construction materials here.
It’s definitely a style that isn’t for everyone, but done in a tasteful and small scale style I think it can be very quaint and charming. I definitely prefer the wooden ones to the more imposing stone and brick. Check out this Dutch revival home just a hew houses down from me– the owner has gone all out on windmill and clog paraphernalia. Now that’s Dutch pride!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Colonial_Revival_architecture
https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a23838047/dutch-colonial-homes/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/624-the-dutch-colonial-house/
