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The often severe winters and dense forests of New England shaped the earliest colonial homes in the region. One iconic style is the Saltbox, recognizable by its asymmetrical silhouette and the distinctive long, sloping rear roof. Created out of necessity for simple, durable construction to withstand harsh climates, Saltbox homes like the Parsón Cabin in Topsfield, Massachusetts (built in 1683), exemplify practicality and robustness.
Another staple from this region is the Cape Cod house. Characterized by a steeply pitched roof, a central chimney, and a rectangular, one-and-a-half-story layout, these homes were designed for efficiency. Low roofs and small windows helped retain heat during the long, cold winters, making them perfect for the challenging New England environment.