Of course, the Cape Cod homes of the 1950s were not replicas of historic Cape Cods. Builders borrowed features of the Colonial style and added mid-twentieth century modernizations. In this gallery, you’ll find a sampling of 1950s-era Cape Cods sold in communities across North America. Each plan offers a different version of the Colonial idea.
Why Is This a Cape Cod Design?
Rectangular shape, with added porch Center chimney, similar to the “Hearth” plan Front door placed at the center Steep pitch to the roof Side gables Shutters Eight-over-eight multi-paned, double-hung windows Center-hall floor plan
One-And-A-Half Stories
Some would call this a two-story house, because of the second-floor bedroom area. However, the designers call this a “one-and-a-half story home.” Why? When second-floor interior rooms are box-like, an attic creates the square shape. When second-floor ceilings take the sloped shape of the roof, the story is often considered “half.” The slant of the roof becomes part of the upstairs ceilings. The ceiling height for both the first and second floors is 7 1/2 feet. On the second floor, this height must be at the roof peak, which is the highest point of a very steeply pitched roof.
An Unseen Rear Dormer?
Notice the upstairs storage in the home’s front, spatially equivalent to the closets and bathroom in the back. The upstairs rear windows, which provide “cross ventilation,” would have to be small, narrow basement-type windows through the sloping roof, unless dormers were part of the design. Dormers are often built to create additional space and are sometimes added after a small house is built. This plan, however, may have an unseen rear dormer to accommodate the rear windows—not to mention for the comfort of guests to the second floor rear bathroom. Other house plans in this series, such as “Jewel,” show a rear dormer more clearly on the floor plan, although not in its illustration.
Marketing This House Plan
The interior sketches of the kitchen, utility, and dining areas seem to have no basis in reality when compared with the floor plans. What is called the “Acme of Convenience” and inviting areas of “Work-Saving Informality” appear to be pure marketing.
Why Is This a Cape Cod Home?
Rectangular shape, incorporating a porchCenter chimney, similar to the “Cranberry” planFront door placed at the centerSteep pitch to the roofSide gablesShuttersEight-over-eight multi-paned, double-hung window
What Are the Modern Modifications?
Larger, more modern picture window, with traditional multiple panes Painted brick construction A multi-level roof, with an overhang similar to a Western bungalow Simple ornamentation of a built-in flower box described as “an important feature of the exterior” Elevated roof design, in the style of an American bungalow, allowing for a second-floor expansion
Marketing This House Plan
Described as “basically a Cape Cod home,” this 936-square-foot house was marketed to the expanding family. Designers included an elevated roof section, disappearing attic stairs, and the possibility that “attic rooms can be charming at a small expense.” Remember that dated house plans may not meet current building code specifications.
Why Is This a Cape Cod Style?
Rectangular shape, with a garage additionSteep pitch to the roofSide gablesFront door placed at the centerShuttersEight-over-eight multi-paned, double-hung windowsShingle or shake exterior sidingCenter hall floor plan
What Are the Modern Modifications?
Front dormers for attic expansion, similar to the “Tradition” planAttached garage
Marketing This House Plan
A 240-square-foot attached garage must be the “Full Pleasure” of this small, 810-square-foot home.
Why Is This a Cape Cod House?
Rectangular shapeSteep pitch to the roofSide gablesFront door placed at the centerCenter hall floor plan
What Are the Modern Modifications?
Front dormers, similar to the “Full Pleasure” planLarger, more modern picture window, but with traditional multiple panesBrick constructionAn imposing chimney and fireplace integrated into an exterior wall of a living room that “extends from the front to the rear"Ornamentation in brick and scalloping above the front door
Marketing This House Plan
One reader comments:
Why Is This a Cape Cod Style?
Rectangular shapeSteep pitch to roofSide gablesShutters, although on the front door and not on the windowsCenter hall floor plan
What Are the Modern Modifications?
Front door placed slightly off-center, compared with a more traditional design such as the “Cranberry"Larger, more modern picture window, with glass block trimA variety of window styles, including large panes and small, and an oval window with pie-shaped panesChimney and fireplace on an exterior wall of a living area that “extends from the front to the rear"Siding that includes stone, shingles, and vertical panelsFront terraceRoof overhang, more in style with bungalow architectureRear stairwayRear dormer, assumed but not depicted
Marketing This House Plan
The modern family wanted room to expand. Designers enticed new home buyers with the dream that “two bedrooms and a bath may be added later on the second floor.” Modern building materials, such as glass block trim, appealed to the new generation, while traditional Cape Cod design kept a tie with the past. The idea of a “den” living area, with “full bookshelves at either side of the natural fireplace,” understated prosperity.
