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.