There is something about a classic Cape Cod home that is quintessentially American. Originating in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the architectural style predominates in residential homes and looks, fittingly, like a beachside cottage. Cape Cod homes are known for being relatively unadorned, modest, and practical.
They're usually constructed with clean lines, wood siding, shingled roofs, side gables, and a central chimney. While they originated in New England, their practical design made them popular during wartime because of their subdued vibe and classic Americana aesthetic. Affordable and easy to construct, Cape Cod homes became one of the predominant housing styles after WWII.