Ever driven past an old farmhouse or barn and noticed a little box perched right at the peak of the roof? Sometimes it has windows, sometimes it has louvers, and every now and then, it’s topped with a weather vane doing its best impression of a compass. That little rooftop addition is called a cupola, and believe it or not, it’s more than just decorative — it’s one of the earliest versions of natural air conditioning.
As an appraiser here in Northeast Ohio, I’ve come across quite a few of these old homes, especially in rural townships and historic districts. While many people see cupolas as charming old-time features, they actually served a pretty smart purpose: cooling the home using passive ventilation.
How Did Cupolas Work?
The idea is simple, and it’s one we still use in modern architecture. Hot air rises — that’s basic physics. Back in the day, homes would heat up during the summer, and without modern HVAC systems, people had to get creative. Cupolas served as release valves, allowing trapped warm air to escape from the attic or upper levels. The hot air would escape through the cupola’s louvers or windows, and cooler air could be pulled in from lower levels or shaded parts of the house. Instant (and free) ventilation.
You’ll often see these structures on barns, too — not for cooling people, but for keeping hay from molding. Same principle.
The Cupola in Modern Homes: Gone but Not Forgotten
Now you might be wondering — if they were so effective, why don’t we see cupolas on new homes?
The truth is, we sort of do. Just in disguise.
While most new construction skips the old-school box-on-the-roof aesthetic, the underlying principle of stack ventilation is still very much alive. Here are a few ways it shows up:
Ridge vents and attic ventilation systems: These quietly do what the cupola used to — vent hot air from the attic.
Clerestory windows: High windows near the roofline that open to let warm air escape. Whole-house fans: Often paired with roof vents, they suck hot air out from the home in minutes. Passive House and LEED designs: These energy-efficient homes rely heavily on smart airflow, including techniques that mirror the purpose of a cupola.
Even in some upscale modern farmhouses or custom homes, cupolas are making a comeback — often updated with solar-powered vents or automated louvers. A blend of old-school charm and modern engineering.
Why It Matters for Appraisers (and Homeowners)
As appraisers, we’re always on the lookout for functional features that add value and/or market appeal — and in some cases, cupolas can still contribute to energy efficiency or architectural appeal. More often than not, though, they’re a reminder of how past generations designed homes to work with nature rather than against it. Full disclosure, I’ve never made an adjustment in an appraisal report for a home having a cupola vs. one that does not. However, I have homes with significant energy-efficient features.
If you’re looking at older homes in areas like Medina, Burton, or parts of Geauga County, and you spot a cupola, take a minute to consider what it tells you about the home’s original design intent. And for homeowners or investors thinking about restoring an older property, that quirky rooftop box may just be worth saving, for market appeal and aesthetics.
In Conclusion: A Cool Idea That Still Works
The cupola might not be the trendiest design element in modern homebuilding, but the concept behind it is timeless. Letting warm air out and cooler air in? That’s as smart today as it was a hundred years ago.
So the next time you see one of those rooftop boxes on an old farmhouse, you’ll know — it’s not just there to look pretty. It’s there to breathe.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING TRENDS
Here are some fresh stats for single-family homes in Cuyahoga County. Here are the key points from the data below:
- The median sales price in July was $264,000, representing a 15% increase over the prior year and continuing to trend higher. (I know it’s hard to believe, but that’s what the data I pulled reflects.)
- There are approximately. two months of single-family inventory on the market, which is 19% higher than at this time last year.
- The median single-family list price in June was $235,000, representing a 9% increase over the same period last year.
- On average, it takes 15 days to sell a home in July.
- On average, homes sell at 100% of their listing price.
- There were 26% more active listings last month than in July of 2024.
- Pending sales continue to fall! In June, there were 11% fewer pending sales than in July of 2024.
SOME THINGS TO MAKE YOU SMILE
Doesn’t this look fun?
If you’re having friends over, this could be a great way to amaze them!
Okay, one more. I love this guy!
LOCAL STUFF
My wife started a small craft sourdough business, baking sourdough bread, cookies, granola, and chips for our local neighborhood to purchase and pick up. If you live in Northeast Ohio, check out her Instagram feed and give her a follow. She has many talents! And baking is one of them!
I enjoyed some articles about the Greater Cleveland area. I like sharing these things with you and hope you enjoy them too. Just click on the article to be sent to that article.
This Waterfront Boathouse Is on the Water, Literally – Cleveland Magazine
Cleveland’s 10 Best New Restaurants of 2025 – Cleveland Magazine
Top 20 Things to Do in Cleveland with Kids in 2025 – Cleveland Traveler
Things To Do at Put-In-Bay, Ohio! – Visit Put-In-Bay
MORE BLOGS I RECOMMEND
If you enjoyed my blog, you might also enjoy some of my friends’ and colleagues’ blogs! Click their links below to check them out!
APPRAISAL TODAY by Ann O’Rourke
Housing Notes by Jonathan Miller
Sacramento Appraisal Blog by Ryan Lundquist
Real Value Blog and Podcast by Blaine Feyen
The Analogue Blog by George Dell
The Appraiser Coach Blog by Dustin Harris
Birmingham Appraisal Blog by Tom Horn
Thanks for being here! I hope you found something in this post that was beneficial to you! I’m working on a new article of my own for next week. Stay tuned!
Have a great week!
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If you want to order a residential real property appraisal in Northeast Ohio, click here. I’d love to help you solve your value problem! I’ve been appraising properties in the following counties since 1998: Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Medina, Lorain, and Stark.
* Some parts of this post were created using AI tools, with final edits and opinions by me.
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Hi Jamie, thanks for the info. I’ve never heard of a cupola.
See you next week.
They are more common out here where there are older homes. But I’m seeing them on some new homes too.
Looking forward to seeing you and Ryan next week also!