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A fortified house is a type of building which developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Generally beginning as a traditional manor house or noble residence it would later be fortified to a more military styling with the addition of gate houses, stone walls, towers or other such features to create a fortified house. More generally it can refer to any residence that has had additional fortifications added.
United States
In the United States, historically a fortified house was often called a fort or station depending on the region. This was a building built for defense against primarily Indian attacks in frontier areas. While some fortified houses were sometimes used by militias, state and federal military units, their primary purpose was for private or civilian defense. Sometimes a stockade would surround the building(s).
Examples of historic private or civilian fortified houses built include;
In the present day, fortified houses are houses with physical security features, including using enhanced locks, security bars, solid core or metal doors, perimeter alarms, cameras, security guards to deter or delay assault.