The Cape Cod house type evolved as a compact variation of central-chimney houses like this one.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image

The Ma'm Lee Cottage of Manchester, Connecticut, is a "double Cape" house, because of the symmetrical pairs of structural bays on either side of the centered entry door, with an unusual gambrel roof and a shed addition in back.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey

Walking into the Ma'm Lee Cottage, a visitor would choose between walking straight upstairs and walking into a main room to the left or right.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image

Houses that began as a particular type were commonly added to and renovated many times, like this central-chimney example, to meet both the functional and stylistic requirements of their owners.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image

Most houses in early New England had at least one great fireplace, used for both cooking and heating.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image

A bed hung with draperies, such as this example in the Jean Hasbrouck House in New Paltz, New York, offered both comfort on cold nights and privacy from the room's other occupants.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey

With growing American prosperity, the five-bay, two-story Georgian house type became increasingly popular.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image

Built in about 1800, the Titus Deming House in Williamstown, Massachusetts is an example of a central hall house (with "inside end chimneys" in this case), that evolved out of the earlier central chimney house type.
Photo: Library of Congress / Historic American Building Survey Extra Large Image