Dutch door

Dear Meantolearn,

I do not know if it is common in Holland. I have noted that t is a common feature of English holiday cottages in the countryside. It is perhaps popular with burglars.

Here is an explanation :

In typical Netherlands style, colonial Dutch-American houses had steeply pitched single-gable roofs, leaded glass casement windows, and exterior doors—one in each room—split at the center so the upper section could be opened independently of the lower half to let in light and fresh air while simultaneously keeping children in and unwanted ani

Actually, traditional country houses in Spain, at least in the North, also had that kind of doors.

My grandparents' had one, and as they had so many animals at home (hens, chickens, ducks, sheep ...), I recall it was a useful way of keeping all of them out.

Yes, they must have been quite common in any country where there were farms. Maybe the Dutch were the ones who brought them to the States?