If you’ve ever driven along the coast of Cape Cod, you may have found an open, level platform, sitting on top of an elegant beach house that looks like a rooftop porch.
However, these are not regular balconies. They are widow walks and centuries-old architectural features that are rooted in sailor lore.
Often, it was romanticized by the image of a sailor wife waiting for her husband to return home and looking out at the sea. There’s more to the widow’s walk than sad stories.
What is a widow’s walk on the house?
The Widow’s Walk is a level rooftop platform that covers many historic coastal homes, especially in coastal architecture in the 19th century.
Sometimes called “roof walks” or “captain walks,” widow walks are said to be inspired by decorative, dome-shaped Italian cupolas and can be found in many beachfront homes in the northeast.
Why is it called a walk for a widow?
Legends, the name “Widow’s Walk” comes from the wife of a sailor who climbs the roof and climbs to the roof, hoping to get a glimpse of her husband’s boat.
But beyond lore, the widow’s walk was practical with status symbols.
The gorgeous roof features not only allowed views of ships in and out of the sea for the wealthy captain, but also provided easy roof access in times when the house was heavily dependent on chimneys for both heat and cooking. The punching bags often lined up boundaries, so throwing the chimney into the flue could quickly absorb the chimney fire.
Where are the widow’s walks in general?
The widow’s walk can be seen in New England’s historic coastal towns, particularly Cape Cod, Nantucket, Newport, and coastal Maine. These rooftop observation decks became a critical feature of 19th century seaside architecture, often crowning the pinnacle of the imposing Italians and Greek revival houses.
While rooted in maritime history, rooftop functions can be found further south in port cities, particularly in port cities such as Charleston and Savannah, Georgia, where the influence of American sailors shapes most of the local architecture. Though less common, houses in the Midwest and Great Lakes also adopted Victorian style characteristics as symbols of wealth.
Trends to restore and build widow walks
While not a staple of all new construction, some high-end coastal builds incorporate widow walks with the aim of combining historic inspiration with today’s luxury. For properties just off the coastline, a widow’s walk can help capture water scenery that would otherwise be impossible.
In the new home, where a widow walk is strolling, the architect is rethinking the ornate features with cleaner lines, glass or iron handrails and seamless access from the upper-level living space.
In some historic districts, homeowners are restoring not only the outdoor living space and unmistakable views, but also the characters they bring to the roof line, as well as the devastated widow walks to previous glory.
What to consider before restoring or adding a widow walk?
The widow’s walk adds undeniable charm and curb appeal, especially to coastal influenced homes, but can be challenged when it comes to restoration and resale.
Structural concern: Restoring the original widow’s walk may mean strengthening the roof, repairing or replacing aging materials, and ensuring the latest safety standards. Weather Resistant: Waterproofing is essential as a widow’s walk sits directly on the roof. Unsealed or aged structures can lead to leakage, wood rot, or internal damage over time. Permissions and Zoning: Adding new widow walks, especially in historic districts, may require special permission or design approval from the local conservation committee. In some areas, height restrictions or building guidelines may be restricted. Resale appeal: While many buyers find widow walks attractive (and they can increase the value and character of the house), others may view them as maintenance risks or unnecessary features.
While a widow’s walk can be a special home feature with the potential to span the view, it is important to weigh structural, financial and regulatory factors before committing to a repair or new build.
How widow walks are used today
Today, widow walks don’t work very well as a tool to extinguish fires to find boats in the ocean and enjoy the scenery.
The rooftop platform is the perfect private outdoor living space, perfect for morning coffee, stargaze or immersing in the scenery. In houses near the coast, they still offer an invincible gaze to the water. Inland, it offers perches above the treetops and city skylines.
Some widow walks are purely decorative and preserve the home’s historic buildings without functional access. Others have been thoughtfully restored or reconsidered as rooftop terraces, often equipped with modern handrails, cozy seats, or gardens of small containers.
Whether restored, reimagined or admired from afar, the widow’s walk is a visual reminder of the history of American sailors and a coveted feature of coastal-inspired designs.
