Gazebo

Relax in this traditional gazebo under the shade of
century-old live oaks. These summerhouses were popular
in America at the turn of the century. But why are they
called gazebos? In England, a gazebo (from the word
“gaze”) was a turret-like balcony on ancient castles from
which the occupant could spy anyone climbing up.

 

According to research, an English architect of the period
criticized the American fad of building summerhouses.
In a periodical of the day, he referred to the structure as
“a silly piece of rural architecture, built like an open
gazebo.” Americans apparently liked the sound of the
word. So “gazebo” it has been ever since.