Designed to withstand the stormy weather of New England, Cape Cod home plans generally have a steep roofline accented with dormers and side gables. The exterior is typically finished with wood shingles or clapboard siding. New England style floor plans range in size and can be one or two stories with a varying number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Generally, the main activity and living areas are arranged on the first floor off a center hall with at least one large and open gathering space. Typically, all bedrooms are situated on the second floor for privacy. Hard wood flooring is a distinguishing interior characteristic of Cape Cod home plans. Some of these thoughtfully designed houses work well along a shoreline blending well with other waterfront designs in the area. Beach and Coastal house plans and Colonial house plans share some similarities with Cape Cod house plans.