Cedar shake siding blends architecture and artistry
More than a mere siding substrate, shake shingles are visually striking and notably durable
One of the most “classically New England” architectural styles is the coastal colonial with cedar shake shingle siding. This iconic siding and roofing material gained popularity because of its practicality. Cedar shake is particularly durable and forgiving of the humid environment you find along the coast. If you’ve ever seen a skilled contractor side a home in cedar shake, you’ve witnessed a process that is equal parts carpentry, craftsmanship and artistry, requiring precision, attention to detail and an artist’s eye for composition.
Jeffrey Jackson, the broker-owner of Corcoran Centric Realty in Greenwich, has firsthand experience with the craftsmanship required to expertly install cedar shake as siding or as a roof.
“Back in my college days, I worked for a custom home builder in the Hamptons,” he recalled. “My favorite job was shingling. The entire process, done correctly, produces a sublime result that is truly artistic. The siding or roof of the house and its angles, windows, doors and contours need to be evaluated before the task begins. Then, the right shingles, with their grain in mind, need to be selected, cut and woven into the finished surface. It is so satisfying to look and see this at the end of the day. They are the perfect medium to connect the land to the sea.”
One of Jackson’s current listings is 24 Rocky Point Road, Old Greenwich, a five-bedroom shingle-sided Nantucket-style colonial built in 1932. Blending elegance and inviting comfort, the 4,382-square-foot home is situated on a 0.28-lot in a neighborhood setting just north of Greenwich Point Park. The way the house is oriented and the abundance of oversized windows allow for spectacular water views. Jackson describes the home as “a seamless fusion of luxury, location and lifestyle.”
It’s on the market for $4.975 million.
“This home, with its great views and classic New England architecture, is fully connected to the spirit and sparkling waters of Long Island Sound. It’s all about the vibe,” he said.
Listed for $2.395 million, 24 Neil Lane, Riverside, is a five-bedroom shingle-sided colonial—built in 2017 on a 0.26-acre lot. Corcoran Centric Realty’s Caroline Shen and Lenna Andreou are the co-listing agents. “Shingle siding is what comes to mind when buyers think of classic New England architecture, and buyers love that aesthetic,” according to Shen.
“24 Neil Lane, a five-bedroom 4,745-square-foot colonial with four floors of living space, offers comfortable living and entertaining. It has an open-concept kitchen and family room and two primary bedrooms—one on the first floor, another on the second,” Shen described the shingle-style home. “A walkout high-ceilinged lower level and bluestone-terraced backyard complete the package.”
Listed by Lee Prince, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, 382 North Street, Greenwich is a four-bedroom, 3,615-square-foot colonial on 2.39 acres. The asking price is $2.95 million.
“It’s a cut above the rest,” Prince said of cedar shake as a siding option. “Forgive the pun! It is higher quality, thicker and tends to split or crack less often. It adds definite character to a home. It is more expensive to manufacture and more expensive to install, as much of it is done by hand.
“It makes a statement,” she added. Such is the case of 382 North Street, which Prince noted is in the prime “Golden Triangle” region of Greenwich. “It is just a few miles south of the Parkway and a few miles to town. It is positioned among many of the schools—elementary, middle and high—and near
the train. The property boasts a pool and some of the prettiest trees in time. It is ultimate convenience in a botanical garden!”
Joy Kim Metalios, who leads the Metalios Team at Houlihan Lawrence, is the listing agent for 20 Linwood Avenue, Riverside, a charming cedar shake-sided colonial. The updated house was built in 1937 and today affords four bedrooms, four baths, and 3,061 square feet of interior living space. The 0.29-acre property is offered to the market for $2.395 million.
Metalios offered perspective on what makes cedar shake shingles so appealing, from an aesthetic and durability standpoint: “Cedar shake siding really resonates with home buyers, because it brings a unique mix of rustic charm and natural beauty. It perfectly captures that classic New England feel that so many people love. The rich texture and varied tones of cedar shakes give homes a warm, inviting look that stands out from modern synthetic options.
Plus, cedar ages beautifully, developing a patina that adds to its character over time. For those seeking a timeless and distinctive exterior, cedar shake siding is a top choice.
“When it comes to the durability of cedar shake siding in Greenwich, Connecticut, buyers should think about both its natural strengths and the care it
needs,” Metalios added. “Cedar is great because it naturally resists rot, decay and insects, w hich means it can last a really long time. With the right installation and a bit of maintenance, cedar shakes can look beautiful for decades. It’s important to keep in mind that regular upkeep, like cleaning, sealing and occasionally repainting or staining
will help keep the wood in good shape. Given Greenwich’s seasonal humidity and rainfall, a little extra attention to maintenance might be needed. Overall, with some car, cedar shake siding can be a durable and stunning choice that perfectly fits the charm of homes in this area.”