That may be an accurate description of a “dogtrot” in some instances, but it actually is an historic building style brought over by German speaking people in the colonial era, known in this part of North Carolina as a “German double pen.” The form was used for both barns and houses. Of those used as houses, they eventually came to be two stories in the case of more prosperous owners, and the open area between, the “dogtrot,” was enclosed, becoming an entry hall. Some remaining in existence have porches on both stories.
A third log structure was built in proximity to the main structure for use as a kitchen; the very real threat of fire meant it needed to be at something of a remove. But, rain, cold, etcetera, combined with improved stoves and means of containing the threat of fire led to this separate kitchen being attached to the main house, first by another “dogtrot” or breezeway, then being enclosed. All of this eventually morphed into the classic center hall colonial.
My fourth great grandfather served in the Revolution, and returned home to NC to marry his bride, he being of English descent, but his wife to be being of German descent. Her father was prosperous by the standards of the time, and gave them two hundred acres and a fine, two story, German double pen house, constructed of chestnut logs, close to three feet in diameter. This house, first occupied in 1781, stood and was continually occupied until 1980, when it burned due to a lightning strike. It was quite a loss, being literally irreplaceable.