ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cape Dutch

Cape Dutch refers to a style of architecture that was popular in the Western Cape region of South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Think of a house that looks like a big rectangular box with a triangle roof on top. The walls of the house are usually made of brick or clay, and they are whitewashed to make them look clean and pretty.

But what makes Cape Dutch houses special are the gable ends. A gable end is the triangular part of the roof that sticks out at the top of the house. In Cape Dutch architecture, the gables are usually decorated with shapes and patterns that are very pretty to look at.

Another thing that makes Cape Dutch houses unique is their front porch, which is called a stoep. The stoep is usually made of wood or brick, and it is a nice place to sit and relax outside.

Overall, Cape Dutch architecture is a style that combines functionality with beauty. The houses are strong and durable, but they also have a lot of character and charm.