Differences in a Cape Cod & a Dutch Colonial

Early American Architecture

• Both the Cape Cod and the Dutch Colonial style of architecture began in the 17th century. The homes were one-and-a-half stories and featured roofs with steep sloping sides, which were popular with English and Dutch settlers because snow slid off easily. The homes themselves were primitive and simple. Though the historical homes of the colonists would have little resemblance to the homes built during the Colonial Revival period, the roofs maintained their individual designs.

Colonial Revival Architecture

• As the 20th century approached, Cape Cod and Dutch Colonial architecture fell back into vogue. The University of Maryland notes that, “Colonial Revival architecture became immensely popular in America after the centennial celebration in 1876, when there was a rebirth of interest in early American history, and remained popular through the 1950s.” Three styles of homes are included in the Colonial Revival period: Cape Cod, Dutch Colonial and Colonial Revival.

  Colonial Revival architecture mimics both colonial and classical styles, sometimes combining features from both styles into the same home. All Colonial Revival period homes share certain features. The symmetry of classic and colonial designs is present in every Cape Cod and Dutch Colonial. The homes are shaped into rectangles and have evenly spaced windows. Around the door, crown molding grace the top in a pediment, while classical moldings surround the sides; lamps are placed on both sides. Colonial Revival homes always feature prominent brick chimneys and six-over-six double hung windows. Exteriors are built of brick, wood or a combination of the two.

Architectural Features of the Cape Cod

• The Cape Cod became particularly popular between the 1930s and 1950s, during the time that Colonial Williamsburg was undergoing renovation. The prominent feature of the Cape Cod is its roof, which according to the University of Maryland consists of “1 ½ story rectangular form with a steeply-pitched roof with end gables.” Brick chimneys grace both gabled ends. Dormers constructed of wood shingles or clapboard are placed symmetrically.

Architectural Features of the Dutch Colonial

• Dutch Colonial homes proliferated between the 1890s and 1940s. The most distinctive feature of these homes is the roof. The University of Maryland states, “Reminiscent of a barn, this roof style has two distinct pitches and provides more usable living space on the second floor than a more steeply-pitched gable roof.” Though the roof of the Dutch Colonial is the most distinct difference, as compared to the Cape Cod, other features differ as well. The dormers on the Dutch Colonial can be different sizes and placed in various locations around the gambrel roof. One type of dormer, the shed dormer, spans the entire length of the roof. The front door of the Dutch Colonial typically has a pediment and may include colonial trim. A front porch or overhang commonly attends the front door. Dutch Colonial homes feature more detailing than the more reserved, austere style of the Cape Cod.