Cape Cod homes are iconic and familiar sights in American towns.
Here’s how to identify them.
With roots in the 17th century, this classic American style remains popular today.
Credit: Michael Partenio
These Cape Cod-style homes showcase several key elements that distinguish thiscasual, traditionalstyle.
Shutters were installed to help block strong winds.
Simple Cape Cod Houses
Cape Cod houses are defined by their simple shapes and limited exterior ornamentation.
Credit: David A Land
This stripped-down roofline distinguishes them from the cornucopia of roof angles and details often found in Victorian homes.
Small Cape Cod Houses
Historically, Cape Cod houses weremodestly-sized homeswith one to one-and-a-half stories.
The relatively low ceilings made it easier to heat the buildings during the winter.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Today, the house style’s sturdy, practical appearance maintains its simple appeal.
This is referred to as a full Cape.
You’ll now find modern Cape Cod houses with much larger proportions.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
The style has since been adapted to today’s tastes and lifestyles, but many of itssimplistic charmsremain.
This often applies to the exterior as well as the interior layout.
Because of their modest geometric forms, Cape Cod houses are particularlywell-suited for additions.
Credit: Joseph Keller
Later,dormers became a useful solutionfor many Cape Cod homeowners to expand their living space.
Later versions became more decorative, sometimes featuring a small portico.
Some also have painted pilasters or, in the case of very elaborate setups,porch columns.
Credit: John Gruen
Although there are some usage limitations, the half-story is well worth it for the extra space.
The low ceilings keep the space cozy andeasy to keep warm.
Colonial Cape Cod Homes
Originating around the same period, Cape Cod andColonial-style homesshare many notable characteristics.
Credit: Laurie Black
The historical tie between the two styles is apparent on the pitched roofs of many of these houses.
They offer practical drainage and height for the half-story typically included in a Cape Cod home.
The original shake shingles are often left to weather gray, while other Cape Cod homes sport painted shingles.
Credit: Emily Followill
Most of the color schemes, like those ofColonial-stylehomes, are very neutral and austere.
Inside, their modest size often includes just a few simple rooms.
A traditional Cape Cod floor plan includes a living room, kitchen, and bath downstairs withtwo small bedroomsupstairs.
Cape Cod House Siding
Shingle shakesand wood clapboards are additional distinguishing features of Cape Cod-style homes.
Wood was a plentiful local material for those just settling on the East Coast.
Before pre-milled lumber, cedar shakes were hand-split from blocks of wood using a mallet.
Credit: Richard Leo Johnson
Houses of this style are often sited to maximize available sunlight, with the biggest windows facing south.
This positioning helps minimize heating costs while bringing ample natural light into rooms.
To gain sunlight whenever possible, windows were often extended very high, often up to the roofline.
Credit: Michael Luppino
Gableddormers within the roofalso invite in more light.
Cape Cod Chimneys
Originally Cape Cod homes could be heated efficiently because of their small size.
Many of these homes hadonly one fireplace, often in the center.
Credit: Philip Harvey
Cape Cod House Variations
ManyCape Cod-style homeswere built before the Civil War.
Colonials are known for their distinct room divisions and center-hall stairways.
Craftsman housesare known for detailed interior woodwork, large front porches, and earthy colors.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Credit: Tria Giovan
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Credit: John Bessler
Credit: Susan Gilmore
