It has drawn attention as an example of early colonial architecture and because of its well-preserved condition by comparison with other contemporaneous houses.

The Capen house was built on a 12-acre (49,000 m2) lot[4] in 1683 as the parsonage for the local Congregational Church.

The house features overhangs called jetties at the front and sides, but not the rear, of the building.

Although many have assumed that the overhangs were intended as protection from Native Americans, they were primarily decorative and also served to shield people from rain.

[9] Hanging wood pendills, ornaments that were carved by the carpenter who built the house, were also used as decoration.