Adding a Widow's Walk to a house plan is a great way to make the design of your home stand out against its surroundings. Given the classic look it provides, many homeowners are opting to add a Widow's Walk to their house plans. This age-old coastal tradition offers a variety of benefits that are worth considering when determining what type of house plan you'd like to create. Widow's Walks were originally created by coastal settlers to serve as a lookout point for wives waiting for their husbands, hence the name. The design of a Widow's Walk often involves a small balcony or railing enclosed by a set of wide steps. However, modern house plans often feature modified and updated versions of this type of architectural style. Can you add a Widow's Walk to a house plan? The answer is yes, you can! There are a plethora of unique options when it comes to customizing your home's design and structuring a Widow's Walk within the plan. Can You Add a Widow's Walk to a House Plan?
Can You Add a Widow's Walk to a House Plan?
Ready to take inspiration from some beautiful homes sporting the Widow's Walk look? Here are 20 pictures of houses with Widow's Walks to get you started. 20 Pictures of Houses With Widow's Walks
20 Pictures of Houses With Widow's Walks
For those that don't quite know where to start when it comes to designing a home with a Widow's Walk, there are plenty of pre-designed house plans to choose from. Nearly anything from a beachfront colonial to a cozy cottage with a wraparound porch can be modified to include a Widow's Walk roof. If you're looking for a home plan with a classic Widow's Walk look, the Brightwater Boardwalk and Coastline Reserve designs are two great places to start. These two coastal house plans blend contemporary and classic styles flawlessly, with the Brightwater making use of framing and cladding, while the Coastline Reserve emphasizes breezy porches. House Designs with Widow's Walk Roofs
House Designs with Widow's Walk Roofs
Ready to get started on including a Widow's Walk in your new home design? Here are a few tips to help you along the way. How to Add a Widow's Walk to a New Home Design
How to Add a Widow's Walk to a New Home Design
The primary benefits of having a Widow's Walk in your house plan are both structural and aesthetic. Structurally, it allows you to easily monitor the weather and scan your surroundings, while also enhancing the protection of your home. Aesthetically, it adds a classic charm to beach homes, as well as a serene and calming atmosphere that is great for relaxation. In addition, a Widow's Walk will make for a great spot to catch the sunset or just take in the view. What Are the Benefits of Having a Widow's Walk?
What Are the Benefits of Having a Widow's Walk?
Creating a Widow's Walk on your house plan is surprisingly simple, as long as you know what features to focus on. The main design elements of a Widow's Walk are the use of wide steps to lead up to it, the balcony-like structure, and the railing for safety. Additionally, it's important to install skylights or other light sources to take advantage of the natural sunlight during the day. Once you have laid out the basics of the Widow's Walk on your plan, then it's time to get creative. Structurally, it's best to opt for materials that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, such as glass, wood, or wrought iron. As for the decor, a Widow's Walk is the perfect spot to make an outdoor lounge area with a few chairs and some potted plants. Creating a Widow's Walk on Your House Plan
Creating a Widow's Walk on Your House Plan
If you're looking to further your customization of a Widow's Walk in your home plan, there are many 3D home kits that offer pre-made designs to help streamline the process. These three dimensional pieces of artwork come in all shapes and forms, from Victorian style steps to more modern and sleek designs. With just a couple of clicks, you can find and include the perfect Widow's Walk for your home plan. Types of Widow's Walk 3D Home Kit
Types of Widow's Walk 3D Home Kit
Including a Widow's Walk into your house plan is a great way to take advantage of the classic coastal look and create a truly unique piece of architecture. Fortunately, it's never been easier to include such features and design your dream home. Whether you opt to create a customized design or choose one of the numerous premade options, a Widow's Walk will add unique character and beauty to your home plan. Including a Widow's Walk in Your House Plan
Including a Widow's Walk in Your House Plan
If modern sophistication is your style, then these 21 contemporary home with Widow's Walk design ideas may be just what you need. From minimalist apartments to sleek townhomes, these Widow's Walk designs will take your home plan to the next level. 21 Contemporary Home With Widow's Walk Design Ideas
21 Contemporary Home With Widow's Walk Design Ideas
Sometimes the only thing missing from a house plan is a little bit of witchery. Add in some unique details in the form of a Widow's Walk, and you have a one-of-a-kind house with charm and personality to boot. Here are 15 house plan witchery ideas with Widow's Walks that will surely add that special touch to your home. 15 House Plan Witchery Ideas With Widow's Walks
15 House Plan Witchery Ideas With Widow's Walks
Including a Widow's Walk in your house plan offers plenty of benefits that will make the overall design all the more special. Here are the top seven benefits of having a Widow's Walk in your house plan. 7 Benefits of Having a Widow's Walk in Your House Plan
7 Benefits of Having a Widow's Walk in Your House Plan
Giving Your House Design Plan a Touch of Elegance with a Widow's Walk
Adding a Widow's Walk to your house design plan can be a great way to add a touch of real elegance to your property. Featuring a decorative roofed deck or walkway around the roof of your house, the Widow's Walk gives it a unique and distinctive character. By employing a carefully thought-out design for the widow's walk, you can benefit from both the classic beauty of this architectural feature and the extra amenities it can provide.
Adding a Widow's Walk onto your house design plan helps to accentuate and complement the existing architectural style of the house. Many modern house plans now feature these rooftop walkways, sometimes integrating a spiral staircase or an outdoor kitchen as part of the design. It can also provide a place to entertain guests or use as a relaxing garden retreat.
In terms of designing an efficient and attractive Widow's Walk, you will need to consider factors such as the size and shape of the building you plan to build, current building regulations and codes, and any existing may features that will need to be taken into account during the construction process. You may also need to consider the type of materials and the kind of finish you want to use, to ensure the deck will last a long time and remain in good condition come rain or shine. A good weatherboard will be a wise choice, as it can be easily maintained and comes in a variety of colors to suit any homes aesthetic.
Construction Considerations for Adding a Widow's Walk
Before adding a Widow's Walk to your house design plan, it is important to consider the current potential and limitations of the construction project. When adding onto an existing property, for example, you will need to take into account whether the building can realistically take the extra weight that the roof walkway and its accompanying structure will add. If not, you may need to strengthen the existing structure so that the new addition can be safely incorporated.
The strength and stability of the construction used for the Widow's Walk will need to be taken into account, as will other need-to-knows, such as suitable access routes and possible locations for the proposed deck. It is also important to consider how the new feature will look from both the outside and inside of the home - will it take mange the existing aesthetic, or maybe even provide a new focal point for your house design plan?
Aesthetic Advantages of a Widow's Walk
Adding a Widow's Walk to your home can bring with it a wealth of aesthetically pleasing advantages, giving your home a distinct and attractive visual presence. While the walkway should blend in well with existing features of the property, it will also stand out, creating a sense of style and interest that can really make the difference. Your house design plan can be further enhanced with subtle paintwork and careful landscaping, as well as fun accessories and decorations for the deck.
Whether used to add to the beauty of the property, or as a relaxing spot to entertain and unwind, adding a Widow's Walk to your home can be a great way to make the most of your house design plan. With careful research, design consideration, and a good knowledge of construction requirements, you can create a unique and eye-catching feature that will bring a real sense of elegance and style to your home.
