A Guide To Cape Cod-Style Houses And Where To Find Them

If you're intrigued by the charm and timeless appeal of Cape Cod architecture, you're in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore their features and the best places to locate them. Whether you're looking to buy or just admire their charm, let's dive into the world of Cape Cod-style houses.

What Is A Cape Cod House? 

While there are many different types of homes, Cape Cod homes are usually rectangular-shaped, single or one-and-a-half stories, with a symmetrical floor plan and a center entry hallway. The ground floor consists of several major rooms, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms and a bathroom.

The second floor of a Cape Cod can have several bedrooms, depending on the size of the house, and usually one to two bathrooms. Known for their simplicity, Cape Cod homes are flexible for various homeowners.

Today, Cape Cod house styles are classified into three categories: full Cape, three-quarter Cape and half Cape. Full Cape houses exhibit the classic symmetrical design associated with the style, while three-quarter and half Capes are smaller, with slightly off-center entryways and chimneys.

History Of The Cape Cod House Style 

Since the 17th century, the Cape Cod design has remained popular, originating when Puritan colonists constructed their homes. Drawing inspiration from English cottage-style homes, they made adjustments to suit New England's climate. During the Colonial Revival period of the 1920s and 1930s, Colonial-style homes experienced a resurgence in popularity being marketed as simple and comfortable.

Key Features Of Cape Cod-Style And Architecture 

The distinctive American design of a Cape Cod home is easily identifiable. These one-and-a-half-story houses typically have a box-like shape and a steep gabled roof with dormer windows.

Common exterior features of Cape Cod-style homes include:

·       Wood shingles or clapboard siding

·       Central chimney

·       Main front door

·       Symmetrical windows

·       Front and rear dormers

Traditional Cape Cod House Elements

Cape Cod homes are often associated with coastal living and are iconic symbols of American residential architecture. Traditional Cape Cod houses usually feature:

·       Gabled roof

·       Central chimney

·       Small square footage

·       Simple, rectangular floor plans

·       Small bedrooms on the second floor

Modern Cape Cod House Elements

Over time, Cape Cod houses have evolved. Certain elements have updated the look and functionality of these homes, including:

·       Dormer windows

·       Decks and covered porches

·       Larger square footage

·       Steep pitched roofs

·       Less symmetry

Types Of Cape Cod Homes 

While Cape Cod homes share similarities, they come in four distinct styles commonly found in America.

Quarter Cape

The Quarter Cape is the smallest variation, featuring a single door and window on the front of a small home. It represents the original Cape Cod floor plan but is less common in modern homes.  

Half Cape (Single Cape)

The Half Cape, also known as the Single Cape, includes a door on one side and two windows on the other. Traditionally considered a "starter" home for English settlers, it often evolves into a three-quarters or full Cape with additions over time.

Three Quarters Cape

Three Quarters Cape homes have a front door on one side, with two windows on one side and one on the other, resulting from an extension to a half Cape.

Full Cape (Double Cape)

Finally, the Full Cape, or Double Cape, boasts a centered front door with two windows on each side. This largest and most modern version of a Cape Cod home was prevalent during the Cape Cod Revival and remains popular today.

Why Is The Cape Cod House Style So Popular

Cape Cod-style homes have several appealing features, such as their charming scale and pleasant rooms. These homes are particularly attractive from the front, with a steep gabled roof line often enhanced with dormers, increasing their visual appeal. Typically, there are two windows on the second floor at the front of the house, one for each front bedroom, while the rear may also feature two dormers for upstairs bedrooms.

Smaller Cape Cods are an affordable option for many first-time homeowners seeking a house that maximizes living space. They serve as great starter homes because they offer ample room for expansion, allowing for additions off the sides or rear.

The layout of the first floor in Cape Cods is also popular among home buyers. These homes commonly feature a living room, dining room, kitchen and a flex room surrounding a central staircase. The flex room is especially appealing to families seeking extra space to spread out.

How To Decorate Your Home In The Cape Cod-Style

You can choose whatever decor you like in your own home, but Cape-Cod style has a specific look and generally follows timeless design.

Here are a few ideas when decorating your home Cape Cod-style:

• Neutral paint colors: Neutral colors complement Cape Cod's simple structure and serve as a blank canvas, ready to adapt as your style changes. Alternatively, those embracing the style's coastal roots may appreciate a palette of light blues and soothing seafoam greens.
• Rustic accents: Classic or traditional accents and furniture can contribute to the relaxed ambiance of a Cape Cod design. Cape Cod-themed furniture typically features simple yet timeless designs. Solid wood is a favored material, offering a rustic yet refined touch.
• Border landscaping: A white picket fence is a typical design feature of Cape Cod-style homes. Landscape design can also be leveraged to create functional outdoor living areas that blend with the indoor spaces. Patios, decks and outdoor seating areas can be strategically positioned to make the most of the house's layout, providing ideal spots for relaxation and entertainment.
• Nautical themes: Cape Cod residences are scattered across New England and different parts of the United States, but they are most synonymous with the sandy beaches of Massachusetts.
• Increase natural light: In most Cape Cod homes, owners strive to maintain a “summer atmosphere.” One straightforward approach is to install wide windows to maximize natural light. Placing mirrors throughout the home can also brighten the rooms.

Where To Find Cape Cod-Style Houses For Sale 

If you’re considering buying a home, you may be wondering where you can find these types of houses. Cape Cod houses originated in Massachusetts before expanding to other parts of New England, including upstate New York and coastal Maine. Today, variations of this home style can be found across the Midwest and West Coast as well. They are particularly popular in regions with cold winters, thanks to their low ceilings and steep roofs, which provide advantages during severe winter weather.

FAQs On Cape Cod Houses

Here are a few other answers to questions you may have about Cape Cod houses.

What is the difference between a Cape Cod and a colonial home?

Cape Cod houses are typically smaller and more compact compared to colonial-style homes. They also tend to have one-and-a-half stories while colonial homes have two. Cape Cod houses often feature a central chimney, while colonial homes may not necessarily have one. The steep roofline of Cape Cod houses results in sloping walls, while colonial homes are characterized by straight walls due to their symmetrical design.

Do Cape Cod-style houses have two stories? 

Technically, Cape Cod houses have one-and-a-half stories. While some may consider a Cape Cod house to be two stories, the second floor is actually a box-like attic with a square shape. This is because the ceiling of the second floor is sloped, making the story half since the slanted roof forms part of the upper floor ceiling.

Do Cape Cod-style homes have basements?

In modern Cape Cod homes, having a basement is common. However, older Cape Cod houses typically feature what's known as a Cape Cod basement ­– a small, brick or stone enclosure designed to accommodate essentials such as a water heater, boiler and electrical panel.

The Bottom Line: Cape Cod-Style Homes Represent Timeless American Architecture

For more than a century, Cape Cod-style homes have enjoyed immense popularity, thanks to their charming curb appeal, functional layout and suitability for cold weather climates. These qualities make them ideal as starter homes or long-term family residences.

If you're considering a Cape Cod house – or any other style that catches your eye – connect with a Verified Partner Agent from Rocket Homes^SM today.