Shingle Style Architecture

The Scrappy, Seaside Superstar of the Late 19th Century

Forget the grand columns of Greek Revival or the intricate lacework of Queen Anne. In the world of architectural styles, Shingle Style was the one that strolled onto the scene like it just got back from a relaxed beach vacation, shrugging off the heavy ornamentation of its predecessors.

It’s laid-back, coastal, and a little rustic—sort of like the old money Hamptons of architecture. But how did this quirky style rise to fame, and why did it eventually fade away? Let’s dive in.

The Birth of Shingle Style: A Seaside Rebellion

Shingle Style architecture emerged in the U.S. in the late 19th century, roughly between the 1870s and 1900s. It was the architectural embodiment of “keeping it casual” in a time when everyone else was still trying too hard with their ostentatious turrets and overly busy facades.

Born in the coastal regions of New England, Shingle Style is different from its kissing cousin Cape Cod style, but on a grander scale. Embracing natural materials, unpainted wood shingles, and a certain flowing simplicity it set itself apart from the more buttoned-up styles of the time.

But while it looked casual, the underlying message was anything but. These homes were essentially mansions in disguise, signaling wealth through land rather than lavish decoration. Forget plastering gold leaf on your ceiling—real class was all about building a massive seaside retreat and blending in with nature.

The Usual Suspects: Shingle Style Architects

If Shingle Style had a dream team of architects, they’d include names like Henry Hobson Richardson, Peabody and Stearns and McKim, Mead and White—serious heavy hitters in the design world. Richardson, whose work helped bridge the gap between Richardson Romanesque style which bears his name and what would become Shingle Style, kicked off the trend with his William Watts Sherman House in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1875.

Seeing what Richardson accomplished, Peabody and Stearns took a “hold my beer” approach with their iconic Kragsyde home built in 1883-85 at a cost of $60,000 and sat back to watch the architectural world marvel at what was largely hailed as a work of art at the time.

Not to be outdone by anyone, McKim, Mead and White (basically the Beatles of architecture at the time) built several iconic Shingle Style homes, most notably the Isaac Bell House (1883) also in Newport. With this team behind the wheel, Shingle Style quickly became the go-to look for those looking to subtly announce, “I’m wealthy, but let’s not make a big deal about it.”

What Makes the Shingle Style Stand Out

Here’s the thing: while Shingle Style may seem low-key, but it’s packed with unique details that make it different from its contemporaries. Let’s break it down:

1. Unpainted Wood Shingles: Yeah, that’s obvious from the name, but what’s key is how the shingles were applied. These houses wore their shingles like a cozy sweater—wrapped around corners, stretched over roofs, even enveloping chimneys. The idea was to make the house feel seamless, natural, like it had always been there.

2. Asymmetry and Complexity: Unlike the hyper-symmetry of Georgian or Colonial Revival styles, Shingle Style homes embraced odd angles and irregular shapes. Think sprawling floor plans, asymmetrical facades, and plenty of nooks and crannies. Perfect for a rich game of hide and seek.

3. Open Floor Plans: Shingle Style interiors threw out the rulebook, often with large, flowing spaces that connected rooms in ways Victorian architects would have nightmares about. They were designed for ease and breeziness—perfect for those who summer by the sea.

4. Porches for Days: These houses didn’t shy away from the outdoors. Wraparound porches, often with stone foundations, became a hallmark of the style—ideal for catching those ocean breezes or admiring your meticulously maintained lawn.

The Rise and Fall: How Shingle Style Got Cool and Then, Not So Much

In a time when every wealthy American wanted to one-up their neighbors with architectural bragging rights, Shingle Style became the choice for the upper crust who didn’t want to be obvious about their riches. It was almost a rebellion against the overly fancy Queen Anne style (which, let’s face it, was the house version of a Victorian doily).

But like any trend, Shingle Style couldn’t last forever. By the early 20th century, tastes were shifting. The simpler, more classical lines of Colonial Revival were becoming the new hotness for the rich while the budding middle class was drawn in by the American Craftsman style and Bungalow.

Shingle Style’s freewheeling, asymmetrical vibe started to look a little too loose in an era craving order. Plus, building huge seaside retreats wasn’t exactly practical when as the nation was plunged into WWI.

Iconic Shingle Style Buildings

If you’re wondering where you can spot these beachy beauties, New England is your best bet, but a few gems are scattered across the U.S. Here are some famous Shingle Style structures that have a story to tell:

1. The Kragsyde House (Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA): Designed by Peabody & Stearns in the early 1880s, this home is one of the finest examples of Shingle Style. It sat perched on the cliffs, with sprawling views of the Atlantic. The house was demolished in 1929 (a tragedy), but not before making waves in architectural circles as the epitome of coastal chic.

2. The Isaac Bell House (Newport, RI): Built by McKim, Mead & White in 1883, this home is a mashup of Shingle Style and elements of Colonial Revival. It’s been lovingly restored and is now a National Historic Landmark. The house’s original owner, Isaac Bell, was a wealthy cotton broker who probably spent his summers lounging on the porch, admiring the sea.

3. William G. Low House (Bristol, RI): Yet another McKim, Mead & White creation, this house was the ultimate expression of the Shingle Style’s asymmetry and natural charm. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1962, but it lives on in the architectural history books as a masterpiece of its era.

The Legacy: Still Cool, Just in a Niche Way

Though Shingle Style fell out of fashion by the early 1900s, its influence never completely disappeared. It had a resurgence in the late 20th century with the rise of the Shingle Style Revival. Today, you’ll find echoes of the style in modern coastal homes across the U.S. Architects still love the idea of blending into the landscape, and let’s be real—who can resist a good wraparound porch?

In conclusion, Shingle Style architecture might not have had the longest run in the spotlight, but its laid-back elegance and seaside vibes still hold a certain allure today. Whether you’re a history buff, a design nerd, or just someone who likes their houses to look like they belong on the beach, Shingle Style will always be the architectural equivalent of the cool, mysterious kid at summer camp.