In case you missed it, Randy posted a video on our Facebook page that provided a brief history and description of the characteristics of Cape Cod homes. For those interested in learning more about this architectural style, here’s an expansion on the information in the video…

The Origin of Cape Cod Homes

The Cape Cod style originated in New England, and is certainly a product of its environment.
The name for the style was coined in the early 1800’s by Timothy Dutton – the president of Yale
College at the time – who noticed the architectural style while visiting Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Though the style is known as being all-American, it’s actually based on the style of English
cottages. When settlers from across the pond arrived in America in the 17th century, they built
homes reminiscent of their old homes, albeit with some necessary upgrades. The early, modest
Cape Cod homes built in this era are known as “half-and-three-quarter Capes.”

New England is known for its harsh winters, and Cape Cod homes are designed with them in
mind. We’ll talk about these specific features later on, but generally the homes are easy to heat
and are able to withstand the sheer amount of snow the area gets.

Cape Cod homes fell out of style in the 1850’s, only to see a resurgence in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
This is known as the “Colonial Revival” era, and the homes built at this time go by the names
“full Capes”or“double Capes”.

The Characteristics of Cape Cod Homes

Cape Cod homes are known for their distinctive characteristics, both inside and out, that give
them a unique charm and timeless appeal. In the past, Cape Cod homes were traditionally only
one storey but, over the years, second stories have been added. Some homes are listed as being
1.5 stories, meaning the second story is smaller with only 1-2 rooms. Comparisons to bungalows
are apt; however, they lack some of the other features of a Cape Cod and aren’t built with New
England winters in mind.

The exteriors of Cape Cod homes have a broad, rectangular profile. You will commonly see
steep roofs, shingled siding, and large chimneys, all included to combat heavy snow and rain.
Two windows can be found on either side of the front door of a standard home, and the style is
famous for the use of dormer windows, which are roofed windows that project vertically from
the sloped roof. Dormers are typically placed on either side of a prominent central chimney –
another iconic feature of a Cape Cod.

Once inside, you’ll normally find a low ceiling – designed to maintain warmth – and an open
concept, symmetrical layout that is centered around a main living space. The few walls and
partitions allow warmth to flow through the home quickly. You may also find a “captain’s
stairway” – a steep and narrow staircase leading up to a second floor (if there is one).

The Popularity of Cape Cod Homes

You may be thinking from these descriptions that Cape Cod homes sound bland-looking, as there
seems to be a lack of ornamentation, especially inside. How did this style of architecture travel
far and away from its New England roots and manage to popup here in the Niagara Region?
Architect Kevin Lichter says…

“The Cape Cod house endures because it is simple, inexpensive to build, directly
responsive to its harsh New England environment. It’s also flexible in how it can be
configured and beautiful for all of those reasons.”

He adds..

“Thanks to its enduring versatility, Cape Cod houses are suitable for an array of regions,
types of families, and, of course, materials.”

Sources (for further reading):

Mueller, Laura. “What Defines Cape Cod Style Homes?” Moving.Com, 26 Jan. 2022,
www.moving.com/tips/what-defines-cape-cod-style-homes/.

Mulvey, Kelsey. “Cape Cod House Style – the Ultimate Guide to What It Is and How to
Get the Look.” Homesandgardens.Com, 6 Jan. 2021,
www.homesandgardens.com/ideas/cape-cod-house-style.