Turret (architecture)

The word turret originated in around the year 1300 from touret which meant “small tower rising from a city wall, castle, or other larger building.”[2] Touret came from the Old French term torete which is the diminutive form of tour, meaning “tower.” Tour dates back to the Latin word turris which also means “tower.” There is a record from 1862 of turret being used to mean “low, flat gun tower on a warship.” Around this time, the word split into two separate definitions, with this definition being the one that goes on to describe gun turrets, a separate idea from the architectural element.

Since they project outwards from the main structure, turrets gave garrisons a better line of sight to spot possible attackers.

Turrets constructed above the rest of a structure only improve visibility, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding land allowing enemies to be spotted from further away.

[5] Since turrets project outward from a structure, they directed attention, and more ornamentation was focused on them than the rest of the facade.

These elements make a property more interesting to prospective buyers and homes with a turret generally appraise higher than without one.

[9] Alternatively, turrets usually increase construction costs of a home as they are more difficult to frame and support than more common elements.