Ever taken a scenic drive through Vermont and thought you spotted a tipsy window on an otherwise straight-laced home? Don’t blame it on the cider. That quirky tilt — part bewitching architecture, part broomstick barrier — is a deliberate feature of witch windows.

Also referred to as coffin windows, the intriguing design sees a pane installed diagonally, typically along the roof line at the gable end of a house. From a distance, they can seem out of place, almost like an architectural afterthought. But Vermonters know better. The windows serve a practical purpose with a superstitious start.

The origin of the witch window is a blend of functionality and folklore. As Vermonters expanded their homes, they often added extra rooms with a second story. However, placing a traditional, upright window into the extension would have interfered with the roof. Instead, a regular window angled diagonally offered a solution. It allowed light and ventilation to the upper floor without major structural changes. But like many old traditions, myths wove their way into the narrative, adding a layer of mystique to an otherwise pragmatic feature.

The windows were said to prevent witches from flying into a home. It was common thought that witches couldn’t maneuver their broomsticks at such an odd angle, thus keeping a home safe from any magical intruders. Whether homeowners truly believed in the protective aspect or just enjoyed the tale, witch windows have become a defining feature in many Vermont homes.

Many modern-day Vermonters embrace witch windows for their aesthetic and historical significance, choosing to highlight them with decorative elements and make them a focal point of a home’s exterior.

So, next time you’re driving through the Green Mountain State, remember to look up. You might just spot one of these iconic windows, guarding its home from both the elements and the supernatural.