Classic Cape Cod Home Designs of Past and Present

The Cape and Islands have a design language unto themselves. From Falmouth to Provincetown, from the Bourne Bridge to the tip of Chappy, the various Cape Cod home designs are as iconic as the shorelines. Whether it’s a stately waterfront 10,000 sqft estate or a cozy 19th-century cape-style cottage tucked behind a rose-covered fence, each home tells a story steeped in history, craftsmanship, and place. 

Cape Cod architecture dates back to the 17th century, with early settlers crafting coastal New England architecture that could withstand the tough conditions and climate. Over the centuries, those humble designs evolved into a style beloved nationwide. But nowhere do these homes feel more authentic than on the Cape and Islands.

Hallmarks of the Traditional Cape Style

At its heart, the classic Cape Cod-style home is simple and symmetrical. Originally built with low ceilings, central fireplaces, and steep-pitched roofs to battle New England winters, these homes were a masterclass in function and form. You’ll often find:

• A centered front door flanked by double-hung windows
  
• Shingle-clad exteriors that weather into soft grays and silvers
  
• Dormers for additional space and light
  
• A cozy, practical interior layout designed for warmth and efficiency

While many of these modern coastal homes have been updated/renovated inside, their exteriors remain largely untouched.

Grand Estates and Gambrel Roofs

Not all homes on the Cape are quaint. The Cape and Islands have many large estate properties, especially in areas like Osterville, Chatham, and Edgartown. These residences often feature Dutch-inspired gambrel roofs, wide porches, and beautifully manicured grounds. Though grander in scale, these estates still pay homage to Cape Cod design traditions with the trusted time-tested Cape design styling, color palettes, and building materials. 

Modern Takes on a Coastal Classic

While tradition runs deep, the newest generations of homeowners also want to bring a fresh perspective to Cape Cod living. Picture a century-old home in Truro, its weathered shingles and traditional rooflines untouched. Step inside, and you’re greeted by white oak floors, matte black fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling glass that frames the dunes just beyond. Homeowners who may not necessarily want the traditional cozy interior with which Cape Cod is synonymous can opt for something more minimalist and free-flowing. 

Updates for homes on the Cape often involve reworking the home’s layout to create open-concept spaces, expanding kitchens, and introducing expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and views. When some of these homes were originally built, keeping the cold out and the heat in was the primary concern, but today, centuries later, that’s not so much the case anymore; homeowners do not want to waste an opportunity to highlight a beautiful ocean view.

Cape Cod Home Designs – A Region With Unmistakable Character

Whether wandering through the Gingerbread houses of the tabernacle or biking through Orleans, one thing is certain: the spirit of Cape Cod is felt with every architectural detail. Even as modern elements are introduced, the DNA of Cape design persists as timeless, rooted, and unmistakably local as ever. 

The Slocum Hall Design Group team deeply respects the homes that give the Cape its soul. 

Contact us today if you’re planning a renovation or new build on the Cape or Islands and want to blend history with vision.