New England As the birthplace of the United States, New England architecture holds a romantic spot in the heart of many people looking to build a new home. Our New England homes include Cape Cod, Colonial, Early American and Saltbox designs. The Cape Cod homes are simple and symmetrical one-and-a-half stories, often with dormer windows, while quintessential Colonial houses are symmetrical, with shuttered windows and a triangular pediment. Shuttered windows, lap siding and symmetrical design also are hallmarks of Early American designs, while the Saltbox features a second story that can be viewed only from the front of the home because the roof slopes steeply in the back.