What’s with all the Capes?
Unlike Edna from The Incredibles, I love capes!
Well, not the same type of capes, but Cape Cod style homes! These are incredibly common home styles in Massachusetts. In the last 6 years almost a quarter of all the single family homes I’ve sold have been Cape Cod style homes. The Capes have been of all ages and conditions. I’ve sold 3 antique Capes so far - nothing is as interesting as the history of a 200+ year old home. But by far the most common type of Cape home I see are those between 1920 and 1970 - the best of which are built before 1950 and still have the glass doorknobs.
5 Wampatuck Rd, Braintree, MA 02184
Another great thing about Cape Cod style homes are their versatility and ease of expansion. Antique capes were often farmhouses where the owners added on wings and rooms on the left, right and back of the homes as space was needed for their family. It isn’t unusual to find an antique Cape that rambles in all directions.
The 20th-century Cape homes are usually found in more suburban settings with smaller lots so their expansions go up instead of or in addition to out! Today the 2nd floor of these 20th century Cape homes are a fascinating mix of dog-house dormers, shed dormers, and full rebuilds that turns the original Cape into a Garrison or Colonial style home! And homeowners often close in porches to add to living space.
So why am I thinking about Capes today? Glad you asked! My newest property for sale is a 1945 Cape Cod style home complete with many of the original glass door knobs. This home is located in the Braintree Highlands! Check it out at 5 Wampatuck.
