1980s Cape Cod House

Cape Cod-style house c. 1920 A Cape Cod house is a low, broad, single or double-story frame building with a moderately-steep-pitched gabled roof, a large central chimney, and very little ornamentation. Originating in New England in the 17th century, the simple symmetrical design was constructed of local materials to withstand the stormy weather of Cape Cod.

It features a central front door. The original Cape Cod house was a cozy, one-floor rectangular structure with low ceilings and a large central chimney, which provided warmth to all of the adjacent living spaces. Built from accessible wood such as pine and oak, the façade was highly symmetrical and covered in cedar shingles or simple clapboard.

With their simple yet charming design, Cape Cod-style cottages are among the most recognizable and enduring styles of home in the country. Characterized by a rectangular footprint, symmetrical facade, natural wood shingles, and clapboard siding, and a steep but low roof with side gables, Cape Cod houses represent a uniquely American architectural expression that has stood the test of time. Year in and year out, nothing says New England like a Cape Cod house.

Learn this historic of this iconic architectural home style. Cape Cod-style homes are cozy, elegant reflections of their laidback, coastal environment. Here's everything you need to know about the timeless style.

Get inspired with vintage Cape Cod house ideas that blend timeless charm with coastal elegance. Discover classic architectural details, cozy interiors, and exterior design tips to create your perfect nostalgic getaway. Over time, cedar shingles weather to a soft, silvery-gray hue, further enhancing the Cape Cod home's timeless charm and blending seamlessly with the New England landscape.

While cedar shingles offer a unique aesthetic, some Cape Cod homes may feature cedar clapboard siding, which also maintains the classic look associated with the style. A quick primer on what makes a Cape Cod house a distinctive and enduring popular classic American style. So what exactly is a Cape Cod-style home? Cape Cod homes have a lot of similarities to the more traditional American Colonial homes being built at the same time in colonies farther south.

As Wright explains, Cape Cod houses are often imagined as the classic American beach house. Traditionally, they're small, single- or one-and-a-half-story homes with steeply pitched, side.