Situated on the hook-shaped headland of Massachusetts, Cape Cod (and the surrounding islands of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and the Forbes family-owned Naushon Island) is a popular summertime vacation resort. Since the 19th century, Cape Cod has been a go-to location for wealthy home buyers.
For more than a century and a half, Cape Cod’s widespread beaches have welcomed Forbes families, Kennedy clan members, political elites, and Wall street executives. Cape Cod style homes, with their simple yet elegant architecture, have come to represent one of the most influential chapters in the history of upscale real estate.
Cape Cod architecture history
Originally dating back to the 17th century, Cape Cod homes are inspired by English timber-beamed properties with a few additional tweaks to create an entirely new style of England Colonial houses, now known as Cape Cod architecture.
As one of the most distinctive styles in the USA, Cape Cod style homes define all-American style and prove that unpretentiousness is the opposite of boring.
While the traditional Cape Cod architectural style has existed for centuries, it has evolved from modest builds to expansive properties complete with luxury amenities and jaw-dropping views.
Historic homes
Cape Cod is a hub of historic homes which were built back in the 19th and early 20th century. These homes are designed with many of the classic architectural features which have been reproduced in more modern homes within Cape Cod to this very day.
The historic residences available for sale today date back to the first half of the 19th century; one of the oldest Cape Cod homes currently on the market was built in 1804. Located in Chatham, the property boasts a coveted address, renovated interior, and breathtaking ocean views. Another construction worth seeing is the newly-renovated West Falmouth Harbor Head home built in the 1900s.
All historic Cape Cod style homes for sale on JamesEdition
1930-1940s Cape Cod style homes
During the 1940s, Cape Cod architecture mostly featured one-floor and lower ceilings, but plenty of spacious rooms that were symmetrically placed. One of the typical examples of upscale real estate dating back to the 1940s is this antique $10-million Cape Cod style house in Chatham with views of Oyster Pond. It’s also possible to spot larger, two-story properties, including the likes of this $5-million home built in 1937 with a spacious upper level and wraparound porch or even a 1940s waterfront Cape Cod style compound in Nantucket.
All 1930-1940s Cape Cod style homes for sale on JamesEdition
1950s Cape Cod architecture
It was in the 1950s that real estate developer William J Levitt changed the style of the home forever in Cape Cod. His focus was on ‘suburban living’ by giving homes more space both indoors and outdoors and could be used as a second home for businessmen to escape city life.
The architectural style became much more elaborate than earlier builds, and almost 40% larger in size. The 7,000 square foot, 1958 Saconesset Hills estate previously owned by pharmaceutical heir and philanthropist Josiah Lilly III and the 2,400 square foot, 1957 Falmouth home demonstrate the Cape Cod architectural evolution.
All 1950s Cape Cod style homes for sale on JamesEdition
1960s Cape Cod architecture
In the 1960s, it became a popular option for homeowners to upgrade their property. Wealthy buyers moving to the area had the obsession to make their homes bigger and better than the original design by adding new basements, garages, additional bedrooms, porches and even attic rooms dependent on their personal requirements.
Another strong trend of the 1960s is architectural minimalism; in combination with Cape Cod style it resulted in creation of charming one-storey homes featuring simple forms with recognizable Cape rooftops and chimneys.
All 1960s Cape Cod style homes for sale on JamesEdition
The key elements of Cape Cod architecture
Cape Cod style exterior
Let’s take a look at what you can expect from Cape Cod architecture. Cape Cod homes often are two-story constructions with caped roofs and caged windows, The exterior paint may be white, gray, or sophisticated “Cape Cod blue.” Within the high-end segment, Cape Cod real estate ranges from simple understated beach houses to multi-million-dollar complexes with golf amenities.
There are three property types to be aware of. The Full Cape is the most notable design, featuring two windows at either side of a central door. In more recent times, however, this style has developed into the Half Cape, with one door on one side and two windows on the other. Finally, the Three-quarter Cape has two windows on one side of the door and one on the other.
With the evolution of these homes in the mid-20th century, some properties had porches built onto the front of the property protruding from the centralized doorway. Double-hung windows are also typically dotted around the building which are accented with black shutters.
Cape Cod houses were traditionally built using local materials that could withstand North Atlantic winters. In the upscale segment, simple shingle exteriors often include wooden (oak, cedar, and pine) or stone elements.
Cape Cod style interior
With their spacious rooms and symmetrical design, the Cape Cod style homes can evolve through the years (and through renovations) to meet the criteria of the rich buyer, without losing its old-world charm. Today, oak or pine beamed ceilings and flooring can be combined with larger windows (or even glass walls), atrium-style central living spaces and spacious terraces.
Houses often feature white walled space with plenty of natural light, panoramic ocean-view windows in grand rooms and master bedrooms. Baluster railing and traditional brick fireplaces serve as a reminiscence of the classic Cape Cod charm.
Top 5 Cape Cod style homes for sale
If you are interested in Cape Cod architecture and believe this location could be suitable for your lifestyle, we have listed the top 5 luxury homes for sale in Cape Cod that are now on the market.
1. Family Compound With The Finest Views On Cape Cod, Barnstable, Massachusetts
Price: $22,500,000
The most expensive home for sale is this five-bedroom family home in Barnstable. Here, you can enjoy 250-degree views of Nantucket Sound and Martha’s Vineyard to Hall’s Creek, Squaw Island and beyond. Covering over 10,000 sq ft, it features a large gourmet kitchen to entertain guests, an indoor pool, gym, sauna and a six-car garage.
2. Luxurious Golf Front Family Compound, Mashpee, Massachusetts
Price: $3,995,000
For wealthy homeowners that pass the time with a spot of golf, this property is certainly a winner. It is located on the Championship Golf Course in the New Seabury resort and gives residents a membership for the amenities on site including the beach/pool/cabana club, golf, tennis, fitness and dining. There are two properties on the compound – the main home offers an estimated 5,500 sq. ft. of traditional living space, while the second home offers approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of a stylish modern beach house design with three spacious bedrooms.
3. Modern hilltop property with ocean views, Mashpee, Massachusetts
Price: $11,900,000
A more modern take on Cape Cod architecture, this property is perched atop a bluff, literally presiding over Nantucket Sound, Succonnesset Shoal and the Vineyard beyond. It offers extraordinary living space, commanding ocean views, a sea-side pool and cabana. Unlike the traditional builds, this structure has high ceilings and ocean-filled glass that still offers total privacy.
4. Gentleman’s Farm And Architectural Masterpiece, Dover, Massachusetts
Price on request
Another modern property on the list, this property is designed by renowned architect, Tom Catalano and constructed in 2014. Constructed of 15,000 sq ft of stone and shingle, it offers plenty of space for a growing family and especially parents working from home; thanks to its three generous offices and 2 acres of land which may come in useful for aspiring farmers. It also features equestrian facilities and an outdoor pool.
5. Modern estate with Caped Cod style features, Chatham, Massachusetts
Price: $4,249,000
This oceanfront property offers it all, by blending the old Cape Cod style features with the mid-century modern architectural. Commissioned by a lifelong observer of architecture, his vision for a contemporary glass box of comfort and serenity has been realized in this transparent building. Covering 7900.71 sq ft (734 sq.m.) home features 5 bedrooms within 5 acres (2 Ha) of land. Spacious and airy, it comes complete with an outdoor pool overlooking the white sand and ocean.
