By the sea, wouldn't that be smashing" Welcome back to Period Dramas, a weekly column that alternates between roundups of historic homes on the market and answering questions we?ve always had about older structures.
After the past week of 90-degree-plus heat in NYC, we?re fantasizing about spending the rest of the summer by the ocean, something New Yorkers have been doing for centuries to find relief from scorching summer temperatures.
Sometimes, that migration gave rise to a new type of architecture?like the Shingle Style, which gained popularity in the Newport-like Gilded Age destination of Elberon, New Jersey. Those shingle-clad houses follow the tradition of seaside houses in New England, which also feature that same type of siding. It?s those quintessential New England houses that we?re going to be looking at today. It?s more uncommon to find antique houses by the ocean: The more impressive homes?typically belonging to sea captains?were built inland to protect against the harsher weather conditions close to the water?s edge.
That meant houses closer to the ocean were a bit more modest?and might lack the structural integrity to stand up to not only the weather, but also to time. Thankfully, a few historic waterfront houses survive?here are some of our favorites.

Via Zillow.

Via Zillow.

Via Zillow.

Old Saybrook, Connecticut (3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, $1.999 million)
Completed in 1700, this 2,...