When the time comes to choose the perfect style for your new home, the array of options can feel overwhelming. While modern designs offer sleek lines and contemporary flair, there’s a unique appeal to the classic and traditional, and among these, Cape Cod homes stand out as an iconic piece of American architectural history. At Early New England Homes, we deeply appreciate the enduring charm and practicality of this beloved style. Join us as we explore the rich heritage and defining characteristics of Cape Cod homes, helping you determine if this timeless design is the ideal foundation for your dream New England residence.
What Exactly is a Cape Cod House Style?
The story of the Cape Cod home begins in the 17th century, drawing its initial inspiration from the simple, sturdy cottages built by early English settlers in New England. These early structures were designed with practicality in mind, built to withstand the harsh coastal weather and provide efficient shelter. Over the centuries, the Cape Cod home gradually evolved, incorporating classic American architectural elements while retaining its core functionality and understated elegance. Today, Cape Cod homes remain a popular choice for homeowners across the country, cherished for their cozy aesthetic, efficient design, and strong connection to New England’s rich heritage.
Traditionally, Cape Cod homes are characterized by their compact form, typically featuring one to one-and-a-half stories. They often boast low ceilings, contributing to their intimate and cozy atmosphere. The floor plan is generally rectangular, promoting efficient use of space. A prominent fireplace, strategically centrally located for optimal heating, and a central staircase are also hallmarks of the classic Cape Cod home design. Beyond these fundamental features, several other distinctive elements contribute to the unique character of this beloved house style:
The Iconic Steep Roof
One of the most recognizable features of Cape Cod homes is their steeply pitched roof. Beyond its classic aesthetic appeal, this roof design serves a crucial practical purpose. The sharp angle allows snow and rain to slide off easily, minimizing the risk of moisture buildup and simplifying roof maintenance – a significant advantage in New England’s often challenging weather conditions.
The Natural Beauty of Cedar Shingles
Traditionally, Cape Cod homes are clad in cedar shingles, which can be applied to both the roof and the outside walls. This creates a distinctive, uniform appearance that exudes natural beauty and durability. 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.
The Heart of the Home
The Large Central Chimney: A substantial chimney, often constructed of brick, is another defining characteristic of Cape Cod homes. Its central placement was strategically designed to allow for efficient heat distribution throughout the compact living space. The fireplace served as the primary source of warmth during the long New England winters, making the chimney a vital and prominent feature of the home’s design. Today, while modern heating systems are prevalent, the large chimney remains a symbolic and often functional element fostering a sense of togetherness, adding to the cozy ambiance of Cape Cod homes and fostering a sense of togetherness.
Exploring the Variations: Types of Cape Cod Homes
While the fundamental characteristics remain consistent, Cape Cod house styles have evolved into three primary variations, offering different configurations to suit varying needs and preferences:
The Symmetrical Elegance of the Full Cape
The Full Cape design epitomizes the balanced and harmonious aesthetic often associated with the style. It features a central entry door flanked by two evenly spaced windows on each side of the front facade. This symmetrical arrangement creates a sense of order and classic appeal, making the Full Cape a quintessential representation of the Cape Cod home.
The Charming Asymmetry of the Half Cape
The Half Cape offers a more modest and often earlier form of the style. It is characterized by an entry door located to one side of the house, with two windows situated either to its right or left. This asymmetrical design provides a slightly different visual appeal while still retaining the core elements of the Cape Cod home, often making it a charming option for smaller families or those seeking a more understated aesthetic.
The Balanced Expansion of the Three-Quarters Cape
The Three-Quarters Cape represents a middle ground between the Full and Half Cape designs. It features an entry door with one window on one side and two windows on the other. This configuration offers a sense of balance while providing slightly more window space and interior light than the Half Cape.
Why Choose a Cape Cod Home for Your New England Life?
The enduring popularity of Cape Cod homes is a testament to their timeless design, practicality, and inherent charm. For those looking to build or buy a home, the Cape Cod style offers a multitude of compelling advantages:
- Resilience Against the Elements: Originally designed to withstand the harsh New England climate, Cape Cod homes with their steep roofs and durable materials like cedar shingles offer excellent protection against snow, rain, and wind.
- Energy Efficiency: The compact design and often lower ceilings of Cape Cod homes contribute to energy efficiency, making them easier and more cost-effective to heat and cool.
- Scalability and Adaptability: While traditionally one or one-and-a-half stories, Cape Cod style home plans can be adapted to include dormer windows, adding valuable living space on the upper level without compromising the home’s characteristic roofline. This allows for flexibility as your needs evolve. The Cape Cod style home kits from Early New England Homes are a full two stories.
- Timeless Aesthetic Appeal: The simple, clean lines and natural materials of Cape Cod homes from Early New England Homes, create a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. Their understated elegance blends beautifully with the New England landscape, evoking a sense of tradition and comfort.
- Strong Connection to New England Heritage: Choosing a Cape Cod home is embracing a significant piece of New England’s architectural history, connecting you to the region’s rich cultural past.
Your Cape Cod Dream Awaits with Early New England Homes
Now that you have a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics and enduring appeal of Cape Cod homes, you can make a more informed decision about whether this iconic style is the perfect fit for your new home. At Early New England Homes, we offer a curated selection of classic kit homes, including beautifully designed Cape Cod style home plans, alongside other beloved New England styles such as Colonial, Saltbox, and Gambrel.
Our handcrafted building kits honor the traditions of these architectural styles while incorporating modern building techniques and offering customization options to suit your individual needs and preferences. We understand the unique charm and practicality of Cape Cod homes and are dedicated to helping you bring your vision of a classic New England residence to life.
We invite you to reach out to our knowledgeable client advisors for more detailed information about our Cape Cod Home Kit and the various customization possibilities available. You can also visit our showroom in Bolton, Connecticut, nestled in the heart of New England, to experience firsthand the quality and craftsmanship of our kit homes and explore the timeless beauty of the Cape Cod design. Let Early New England Homes be your partner in building the Cape Cod home of your dreams, a home that embodies both history and your unique future.