Cape Cod Style Homes

About The Cape Cod Home Style

Cape Cod homes have been around for over 400 years, originating in the 17th century in New England.

Simplicity was key – square construction, spaced windows, central front door, all built to stand up to the stormy coastal weather of the north.

The style was around long before the term Cape Cod; the name was coined in the year 1800 by the then president of Yale University, after he visited the cape and noticed the vast majority of homes had similar features and style.

Common Characteristics & Features Of Cape Cod Homes

• A rectangular or symmetrical boxy floor plan with the first floor typically featuring a kitchen, living room, dining room, one to two bedrooms, and a bathroom
• A distinctive steep roof accented with dormers and side gables, to help protect against stormy weather
• The garage is often detached and positioned toward the back of the house
• Wood shingles or clapboard siding
• A centered entry door and simple window shutters
• Hardwood flooring
• A central chimney to warm surrounding rooms
• The upstairs, if finished, usually consists of two bedrooms. If the roof has dormers, it can make them slightly larger and adds light, and if the entire back roof has a shed dormer, the bedrooms can be quite large

More About The Cape Cod House Style

The current Cape Cod style has not changed much from the 17th century style of home. The home is generally square shaped, often with a second floor only visible from the sides of the building. The front door is located in the center of the home, with windows on each side. Living areas – family room, kitchen, dining room – are on the first floor while the bedrooms are on the second.

Cape Cod style houses are sometimes referred to as one and a half story homes, or salt box homes. Just like those from long ago, classic Cape Cod homes are simple in design and feature common qualities and characteristics.

Home Size & Bathroom Considerations

Capes are commonly inexpensive and range from 1000 – 1350 square feet. One thing to consider when viewing a cape cod is the bathroom location. Often older Capes only have a bath on the first floor, which requires the frequent use of stairs for those using an upstairs bedroom. Families looking to use all bedrooms will need to be comfortable with the bedrooms being split between two floors.

Renovations & Buyer Appeal

For added living space, a cape can be renovated either by attic expansion or first floor addition. Achieving balance with the right design and detail. Overall, a Cape Cod home is typically appealing to first-time homeowners on a budget, seniors looking for single level living, and anyone looking for a traditional and easily manageable home. The cape code is a classic style that has warmed the hearts of Americans for more than 200 years.