Witch windows, also known as Vermont windows or sideways windows, are a unique architectural feature found in old New England homes, particularly in the state of Vermont. These windows are positioned on the gable end of a house at a slight angle, sloping sideways instead of being parallel to the ground. The name "witch windows" is derived from a superstition that the odd window placement was created to prevent witches from flying into the house on their broomsticks. However, the actual purpose of these windows is not related to the supernatural but rather a practical solution to a construction challenge. The slanted position of witch windows allows for a smoother and more efficient installation in houses with steeply sloping roofs. The angled windows can be easily fit between two roof planes without protruding outside the outline of the house.

What Are Witch Windows

New England has a lot of exclusive and strange customs and superstitions that have been a perennial staple of our culture since the first settlers landed here. Although many have faded with time into obscurity, some not only still thrive but can also be seen as one travels the highways and byways of the region. One of these customs can be seen mainly in Vermont and is known as the “Witch Window.” The origins of this name are lost to obscurity, but the strange slanted window easily distinguishes their existence between the eave of the home and addition just below, running parallel with the roof angle.

Witch windows originated in the Green Mountain State sometime around the 19th century. The name actually refers to a superstition that witches cannot maneuver their broomsticks sideways, so by placing the window at a 45-degree angle, a witch cannot enter your home through that window. This seems relatively weak in theory as all the other windows in the home are installed at the usual angles. If a witch really wanted to enter the home, it could easily pick another opening more suitable for entry.

Another term for these examples of peculiar architecture is “coffin windows,” which is even more unusual than the former. This name came from the thought that rather than lugging a heavy-laden coffin down the winding staircase of the home, the angled window would allow the coffin to be slid right side up out the window onto the roof of the addition and carefully lowered to the ground. This seems rather irrational in thought and practicality, especially for Vermonters who are known for their common sense and ingenuity. If someone were to die upstairs, would it not be easier to bring the deceased downstairs to the coffin rather than carry the coffin upstairs to the dead?

Many years ago, I saw my first witch window while traveling along Route 25 in Vermont. It struck me as odd at first, but its purpose immediately seemed as plain and evident as could be. The first story addition may have covered the old window. Thus, being practical and not having access to the big box stores we have today, the owner reinstalled the window to easily fit in the angled space between the addition and eave, instead of building a dormer for an upright window. Why do you ask? Easy answer; to let light into the upstairs room that would otherwise be dark after the addition was put in place.

The expansion of the home led to having the second-floor window covered by the new roof. Vermont farmers would not have wasted anything if they could help it. Materials were hard to come by, and that window was going to be used. The only place it would fit was where you see them today.

So, we have superstition, custom, and practicality. Is it all three, or just one reason these amusing additions exist, mainly on Vermont homes? If you happen upon a house with a witch window and the owner is outside, stop and ask him about the witch window. Don’t be surprised if he looks at you with a severe yet sincere expression on his face as he asks, “witch window?” Seeing one while driving the roads of Vermont is almost as exciting as seeing a moose or bear, but a heck of a lot safer.

The Bizarre Story Behind This Common Home Amenity In Vermont Will Astound You

Not many things are located close together in Vermont, so needless to say we spent a lot of time in the car as a kid. My brothers and sisters and I played all sorts of car games, but our favorite by far was Punch Buggy. The object of the game is to keep your eyes peeled and try to find a Volkswagon Beetle on the road, and the first person to spot the VW Bug punches another person in the arm and yells “Punch Buggy!” Well, while researching this article my own kids invented a game similar to Punch Buggy, thankfully without the punches. The new game is called Witch Window. Don’t know what a witch window in Vermont is? Well, I’ll bet you do…

Witch windows in Vermont are the windows you see on old farmhouses that are positioned diagonally, and here’s why Vermonters began calling these tilted windows “Witch Windows.” Enjoy!

A Witch Window is a window placed in the gable-end wall of a house and rotated approximately 45 degrees leaving it slanted diagonally.

The name "witch window" comes from an old superstition that witches can not fly through a window if it's tilted. Therefore, if you had a house with a witch's window, you could live without fear that a witch could soar into the room on a broomstick at any moment. One could say that there are some weird things about Vermont.

The windows are also known as coffin windows, although it is unclear if the name stuck because this is how they removed the bodies of the deceased to avoid steep staircase mishaps, or because the window itself has a coffin-like shape.

A few other names for these quirky windows are Vermont Windows, Sideways Windows or Lazy Windows for their orientation, but Witch Window is by far the most common term used today. Pictured is a fine example of a witch window in Craftsbury.

This technique of adding a window at this orientation allows a builder to fit a standard full-sized window into the long, narrow wall space between two adjacent rooflines, not to mention avoiding spending extra time and money buying a custom-sized window frame.

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When an addition or wing is added to a house there may be very little wall space available in the gable end to install a window. Adding dormers can be problematic since they could disturb the roof design and structure.

Dormer windows are not often used in older Vermont architecture as they can unfortunately leave a room very cold. These lovely and classic dormers and mansard slate roof (c 1885) are located at 94-106 Maple Street in Burlington and are part of the Battery Street Historic District in Burlington.

On this house, the clapboards are hung at an angle to match the window. This will make it easier for the builders to cut wood as well as weatherproof the area, both of which make the construction easier and more cost-effective.

Since the end space is sometimes the only option for a window on the upper floor, a solution had to be created. Vermonters, ever so resourceful, found a way to meet their needs.

Witch windows are found almost exclusively in Vermont, and most often in 19th-century farmhouses. They are more commonly spotted in the central and northern parts of VT.

An alternative explanation for these quirky windows is that they are placed diagonally so the hot air which rises during the summer will have a place to escape. This is unlikely the reason, as we would see many more witch windows placed in other areas of the house. Besides, summer in Vermont isn’t THAT hot!

Were witches flying into homes on broomsticks such a nuisance that these windows were specially designed to keep them out? Whether witchcraft in Vermont was part of the reasoning behind these windows or not, no one can doubt the interesting element that these stories add to the history of Vermont. Even if you had heard of a witch window in Vermont, did you know why it’s called that? Or did this provide some insight into these perplexing diagonal mysteries? Let us know!

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The angled windows can be easily fit between two roof planes without protruding outside the outline of the house. This not only saves space but also maintains the overall symmetry and aesthetic appeal of the building. Apart from their functionality, witch windows have become a charming architectural detail that adds character and visual interest to historic homes.

More to Explore

witch window in Vermont

What are the scariest haunted attractions in Vermont?

Vermont has plenty of fun and scary haunted attractions. But to list some of the scariest, consider visiting the Eddy House in Chittendon. This home housed a mysterious and ghostly family with ties to spirts and other creepy things. The Eddy House is now the location of the High Life Ski Club Lodge. Another haunted place in Vermont is The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm. Many people have claimed to be haunted by the former owner's ghosts throughout the property.

What are the most haunted places in Vermont?

No list of the most haunted places in Vermont can exist without discussing Emily's Bridge in Stowe. Legend has it that this bridge is haunted by Emily's ghost. According to the legend, Emily died a gruesome death on the bridge and her ghost continues to haunt people to this day. So beware if you venture across this spooky bridge. Another scary and haunted place in Vermont to visit is the Glastonbury Mountain in Glastonbury, Vermont. Apparently there have been several unsolved disappearances of hikers and wanders on the mountain. Go at your own risk.

Can I visit any abandoned places in Vermont?

Yes, there are numerous abandoned places you can visit in Vermont. First, it is important to always check before going to any place that the abandoned spot is safe and legal to visit before attempting to visit such a place. If you are interested in finding cool abandoned places to check out throughout Vermont, take a look at this list of 15 abandoned places in Vermont. Not all these places on the list are accessible but it is a good start to find what can and cannot be visited.

What is a Witch Window?

Katie Barton is a home improvement freelance writer. For as long as she can remember, she's had a passion for making homes beautiful. She specializes in cleaning, organizing, and home improvement projects.

A witch window is a standard window installed at an angle on the gable end of a home. They’re most notably found in Vermont and areas of New England. Other names for these windows include the Vermont window, coffin window, casket window, and Vermont witch window.

They are often seen as a cultural symbol of New England, serving as a reminder of the region's rich architectural heritage. While witch windows can be found in other parts of New England, they are most commonly associated with Vermont. Many old houses in the state still feature these unique windows, contributing to the architectural diversity and historical significance of the area. In recent years, the popularity of witch windows has grown, and they have become a sought-after design element in new constructions and renovations. Homeowners and architects often incorporate these windows to pay homage to the traditional New England style or simply for their distinctive appearance. In conclusion, witch windows are an interesting architectural feature found in old houses in New England, particularly Vermont. Their angled position serves a practical purpose of easy installation on sloped roofs, while also adding charm and character to the overall design. The superstition surrounding their name only adds to the mystique and fascination of these unique windows..

Reviews for "Witch Windows: A Window into New England's Architectural Heritage"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Witch windows" to be extremely boring and slow-paced. The plot lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also quite mediocre, with repetitive descriptions and predictable dialogue. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.

2. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't even finish reading "Witch windows". The story was confusing and lacked coherence. The author seemed to jump from one plot point to another without any clear direction. Additionally, the characters were uninteresting and their motivations were unclear. I was expecting a gripping and suspenseful read, but I was sorely disappointed.

3. Emily - 2 stars - "Witch windows" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was inconsistent, with many slow and mundane sections that made it hard to stay engaged. The author's writing style was also rather choppy, making it difficult to connect with the characters or understand their emotions. Overall, I found this book to be a forgettable and underwhelming read.

4. David - 3 stars - While "Witch windows" had some interesting aspects, such as the supernatural elements and the mystery surrounding the witch windows, it fell short in various areas. The character development was weak, and I found it hard to connect or care about any of the protagonists. Additionally, the plot twists were too predictable, and I was hoping for more suspense and surprises. It wasn't a terrible read, but I wouldn't consider it a standout in the genre.

5. Rebecca - 2 stars - "Witch windows" had a promising concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The writing was flat and lacked the descriptive depth that would have made the story come alive. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed resolutions. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others in search of a captivating witch-themed read.

The Symbolism of Witch Windows in New England Folklore