Why does my old home have two front doors?

There is a second front door in a lot of old homes.Some were added in renovations and others were original.

There are many explanations for the double doors.Many people give up hope of finding an answer to the architectural mystery, but I have some ideas for you.

There are a number of reasons why your old house has two front doors.The answer might be different depending on your home's style, age, location and size.

Some of the explanations are more logical than others.The most likely theories have been included.Let's see if we can figure this out once and for all.

The Georgian, Adams or Federal styles have rigid rules of symmetry.Two mirror image front doors give a more pleasing design than a single door in the center of the house because they add utility.It's possible that your house was built in these styles from the 1700s to the early 1800s.

Old houses have a lot of windows to help keep the structure cool on hot nights.Many second front doors on homes lead from the front porch to the master bedroom.Couples could open the windows and doors, turn on the fans and enjoy the cooling breeze.A poor man was sleeping on this design.

I have a neighbor who has lived in his house for 90 years.His house has two front doors.I stopped by to inquire about what his family had used them for.His response was interesting.We weren't allowed to use the formal door when my parents had visitors.We never asked why.That was what Mom and Dad wanted.

The formal entry for special events and visitors was reserved by some houses.It makes sense in homes where the second door leads to a bedroom.

One theory that makes sense to me is that these double front doors allow the owners to rent out a room if they need it.Whether it was for a stranger to help cover household costs, or a young couple just getting started, the two front doors allowed for more separation and privacy.The second front door allowed easy access to a bedroom.

There are many theories about why an old home might have two front doors.Maybe you know one that I have not heard about.It is possible that you have access to someone who knows the truth.I would love to hear other ideas in the comments.Let's hear your thoughts and try to find an answer to this architectural mystery.

I like working with my hands and teaching others how to do it themselves.Everything can be taught if you only give it a chance.

Both of my grandmothers had double front doors and the parlor was sometimes called the "courtin' parlor".

The bungalow that I grew up in was built in 1927.There were two front doors, one into the living room and the other into my room.I was told that my room was called the bachelor's room and the door gave him access for his comings and goings without disturbing the rest of the family.

I live in a home that was built in 1901.There are four entry doors on the front porch.One leads to the kitchen.One in the dining room.There are two into the parlor and the master bedroom.I wonder why there are so many doors.

I think it was for the gentleman to use the left door to go into the parlor to smoke pipes and cigars, the other door was used by the woman to enter the part of the house that led to the kitchen.

One of the reasons older homes have two front doors is that they are used for Births and deaths only.

My great grandmother lived in a home with two doorways.She told the family that the double door was in front of the house.She said back in the day it was superstition to walk out the same door.By walking into a door you came as company to visit and was welcome but turn and leave in the same door in a manner of hostel or hate, it was to place bad luck on a person.I haven't found the legend to be so yet.

I found a second door that leads to the original porch after removing some old panelling from the front room of my 1900 farm house.My friend in construction said that most people used to have their funerals at their home instead of a funeral home because one door was used as an entrance and the other was the exit.

These comments have made me think.The large house museum in Chadds Ford was built in the 19th century.The house is made of stucco.There are 2 front doors.The Chadds Ford Historical Society once said it was a funeral parlor door.I think it was just a more formal place for company.Thanks to you fellow historians.

There is a house on a farm.There are two doors in the front.One of the front rooms was used as a parlor by the elderly owners.The family room was the other one.

I was told that when we bought the old farm house.We still live there and get compliment all summer long from people who remember these homes.I will be 69 next week.We still use the original spring on the farm across the hill that is piped into the house since the 20s, no filters used for everything.The old farmer who sold us the house showed me a salamander that was black and white.The water is good as long as they live there.The water always tests good there.