WHY DOES EVERYONE LOVE A CAPE COD-STYLE HOUSE?

If you ever decide to do a quick Google search of “American house styles,” amongst the ranch-style homes, farmhouses, and Colonials you’ll find an American mainstay: the Cape Cod house. Not so much a specific architectural style, but rather a type of home, Cape Cod houses have essentially grown up with our young nation, with the earliest iterations dating back to the end of the 17th century. Understated and humble, the Cape Cod house is one that’s been stripped down to the essentials, yet it's rich in history and classic Americana elements.

Characteristics of a Cape Cod House

In its purest form, the word that best describes the Cape Cod is compact. The traditional versions of this home stand at a mere one-and-a-half stories, with the half snugly situated under the roof. The main floor traditionally has two primary rooms, the hall and the parlor, which are taken from the structures of old English homes.

The kitchen typically lines the back of the home. Upstairs, there’s just enough space for bedrooms. As time has gone on, the Cape Cod house has adapted to expand for the demands of the modern American family, but it comes from humble beginnings. Here are some hallmarks you may find in a Cape Cod-style home:

• A steep pitched roof to help keep off snow during New England winters.
• A large chimney at the heart of the home.
• Pane sash windows on the front of the home. As time has gone on, these have become more elaborate. They can be flanked with shutters for a more made-up look.
• Cedar shingles on both the roof and walls of the home. The shingles can remain natural, turning a soft gray from the salt air and other elements, or painted.

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History of the Cape Cod House

In his book, American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home Gerald Foster explains, “The Cape Cod cottage has had an enduring effect on residential design throughout the country."

While they’ve technically been around since the 1600s, the term "Cape Cod house" came about in 1800, when it is said that the Rev. Timothy Dwight, who was president of Yale at the time, was touring New England and coined the term. Originally, Cape Cod homes primarily lined the coast of New England due to their ability to withstand brutal winters while remaining economical. The Cape Cod house was also much less expensive than its counterparts, as it didn’t require extra ornamentation or design details.

The Cape Cod house has grown in both size and stature, as the U.S. population grew and Americans began flocking to the suburbs in droves. The simple structure of the Cape Cod house has been emulated in newer neighborhoods, making it one of the most recognizable homes of today.

How to Decorate a Cape Cod House

The timeless structure of the Cape Cod House warrants timeless design. Sister Parish, who summered on the coast in Maine, spent most of those holidays in a sunny, yellow Cape Cod home which she called Summer House. One of the founders of the classic Americana design firm was a lover of quilts, layered rooms, and lampshades lined with a soft pink, all of which feel fitting for a quintessentially American Cape Cod-style house.

In her biography, Parish’s granddaughter Susan Bartlet Carter shares details of what the house looked like: “There are several rooms that have so much color in them that many people are taken aback,” she writes. She goes on to say that some of the bedrooms of the home are rather bold, using reds and greens to fill those rooms with an undeniable spirit.

However, there was balance. She adds, “The rest of the furniture is very Maine.” Tall beds, white muslin curtains, and chintz are the elements that brought the house together, making it feel welcoming and well styled.

Pros and Cons of a Cape Cod House

Pros:

• While lacking extensive ornamentation, there’s a undeniably classic and cozy feeling.
• Sturdy structure that has stood the test of time.
• Instant curb appeal with the symmetrical architecture.
• Thoughtful design to keep one warm during the winter.

Cons:

• Traditionally a small home that may not be equipped for hosting large gatherings or overnight guests.
• Hard to make additions, as the design is so symmetrical.
• Might prove to be too warm for sweltering climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find Cape Cod-style houses?

Cape Cod houses can be found throughout the United States, but the homes were first built on the coast of Massachusetts. From Long Island to Southern Maine, these houses were the main ones to dot America's Eastern shoreline for centuries.

Why do we call them Cape Cod houses?

We got the term from a former president of Yale who coined the term in 1800, and it’s stuck ever since.

What is the difference between a Cape Cod- and a Colonial-style house?

If you look at the Colonial houses that were created for Virginia settlers, there’s a much grander feel. Most of these homes had a full second story (rather than a half), as well as more ornamental decoration like columns. In addition, chimneys often flanked homes rather than being at the center.

2024-09-07T14:16:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd