Key Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a small , symmetrical 1 ½ story, compact house with a central entrance. The roof is the steep gable covered with shingles. The authentic types have low central chimneys, but end chimneys are very common in the new versions. Bedrooms are on the first floor. The attic may be finished into additional bedrooms and a bath. A vine-covered picket fence is traditional.

Other Distinguishing Characteristics

• Traditionally, exterior walls were white clapboard, natural shingles or brick; modern versions have exterior walls made of a wide variety of materials
• Simple double-hung windows
• Shutters the same length as the windows
• Simple cornice with gutters immediately above the first-floor windows
• Easy to build, maintain and heat
• Inherent in the design is the necessity to walk through one room to reach another

History
The Cape Cod Colonial is the earliest dwelling type built by the American colonists that still is popular today. The early Cape Cod was very crude. It usually had one room on the first floor and a sleeping loft above. The modern version was the most popular house style in the U.S. from the 1920s through the 1950s.