Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Design Qualities of an Authentic Cape Cod Home

    Are you a connoisseur of New England architectural styles? If you are, you will know the most popular styles are a blend Country Club Homes Authentic New England Cape Cod Homes of the colonial styles replicated from British residential architecture of the period, modified to adapt to the more harsh New England winters. The half-timbered cottage from 17th century England evolved into the one to one and a half storied Cape Cod house of Massachusetts. What are some of the design qualities of the authentic Cape Cod home?

    Floor Plan: The simple and symmetrically arranged spaces on the interior of a Cape Cod house are noted for the use of wood molding throughout; including maple or oak crown molding, chair rails, wainscoting, and cabinetry painted white to brighten the interior.

    Steep Roof: One of the most distinctive qualities of the New England Cape Cod style is the steep roof line, existing for the purpose of shedding snow quickly and efficiently before it accumulates and creates a heavy load of snow on the roof.

    Other characteristics of the steep Cape Cod roof are the small overhang, symmetrical gabled dormers, shake or shingle roofing materials and a large central chimney on axis with the front door. An alternative chimney arrangement places either two or four matching chimneys on the outside walls.

    Exterior Detailing: While Cape Cod homes with a brick exterior can be found, the Cape Cod home was usually clad in horizontally-hung wide wood clapboard or wood shingles. Symmetrically located windows are normally double-hung, sometimes with working wooden.

    Country Club Homes Authentic New England Cape Cod Homes
    This New England home designed by Country Club Homes has many authentic Cape Cod features.

    As a New England resident living in Fairfield County, CT, what are some of the design qualities of an authentic Cape Cod home that you especially enjoy? The modern Cape Cod has many similarities with the original, such as a full second floor added to accommodate a large family.

    Are you planning to build a custom new home and considering building an authentic Cape Cod? Contact Country Club Homes for more information by telephone at 203-762-0550; or online at www.countryclubhomesinc.com.

    Images from the Country Club Homes Portfolio

  • Higher Light: Interior Transom Windows

    Transom windows are a lovely historical detail with an interesting history of practical purpose. Before the advent of air conditioning, transom windows were an innovative design feature that allowed for cross ventilation between rooms. Typically, transom windows could be opened and closed using a long metal rod. There were also styles that opened on a…

  • Chic Simplicity: A Black and White Bathroom

    The black and white bathroom is a design classic that always feels fresh. The simplicity of black and white allows for endless experimentation with color and texture to make your space feel distinct and memorable. The walls in a black and white bathroom are an interesting place to explore the use of patterned wallpaper, particularly…

  • Hot Ideas for the Hearth: Custom Fireplace Designs

    As autumn settles in, the age-old custom of gathering around a glowing fire becomes ever more appealing. The fireplace in your home can be a conversational centerpiece with the right application of design skill and imagination. Your fireplace should reflect the overall look and feel of your home, whether traditional, modern, or somewhere in between….

  • Empty-Nesters Purchase Cottage with Downsizing In Mind

    Interested in downsizing? A soon-to-be empty nester couple fell in love with this delightful cottage and purchased the home with downsizing in mind. As the renovation project started, it turned into a labor of love for the couple as they envisioned it as their beach-style retirement home. The small corner lot on Belle Island in the Rowayton section…