𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞: Types, Modern Plan, Design & Features

Cottage-style houses are a charming choice for many homeowners due to their cosy and quaint aesthetic. These homes are typically compact, which makes them a popular choice for those seeking a classic or rustic way of living. Typically, cottages feature steeply pitched roofs, arched doorways, and casement windows, often with small panes that add to their vintage charm. These buildings are often one or one-and-a-half stories tall, highlighting a sense of comfort and a homey vibe. The interiors are just as inviting, emphasising warm, natural materials like wood and stone. It is often accompanied by fireplaces that serve as the focal point of the living space.

Landscaping also plays a crucial role in enhancing the cottage’s appeal. Gardens that blend seamlessly with the architecture often feature rambling vines, flowering plants, and stone paths. This integration of nature and design creates a serene and inviting outdoor space that complements the home’s overall aesthetic.

Cottage houses particularly appeal to those who appreciate a timeless design that feels both functional and fairy-tale-like. They are ideal for individuals or small families looking for a space that combines simplicity and character. This provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether nestled in a rural or suburban neighbourhood, cottage houses can give a sense of escape. This makes every day feel like a vacation in a home that’s both charming and uniquely yours.

Now, let’s shift our consciousness to different types of cottages so that you are well-informed about them.

What is a Cottage House?

A cottage is a small house design that is widely popular due to its unique architectural construction. These small spaces have an area to accommodate only one family at a time. The definition of cottage homes varies from one culture to another. But one common thing is that this house is a small, cosy space for living in the countryside.

Most of these houses are single-storey, but in many places, you can find multi-storey houses, also termed cottages. There is a need for clarification that these kinds of homes are only constricted to rural areas. However,  a bunch of these homes are also found in urban places.  

Features of Cottage Houses

Apart from being comfortable and cosy, there are multiple features that small cottage homes possess. The features of these houses are as follows:

• Asymmetrical House Design
• 1,½, or 2-Storey Units
• Large Front Peak with Steep Gable Rooflines
• Small Landing in the Front
• Adorned Arched Entry Gate
• Oversized Chimney Stack
• Beautiful Rustic Finishing and Detailing
• Stone, Wood, Stucco, and Brick Siding

History of Cottage-Style House

The Middle Ages are when the word “cottage” first appeared. It was derived from the Latin word cotagium. A cotter who resided on the grounds of a nobleman’s manor lived in an old English cottage. These vintage English cottages often had stone or wood walls and a thatched roof. The Tudor and Victorian eras of English architecture witnessed the construction of thatched-roof homes.

Little cottages also dot the landscapes of countries like South Africa, Chile, Russia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Similar cottage house plan styles emerged in Norway (the Norwegian term for such building structures is hytte), Finland (the Finnish word is mökki), and Sweden (the Swedish word is stuga).

Different Types of Cottage Homes

There are multiple kinds of cottage homes available. The design of the small cottage houses varies from one location to another. The different types of small cottages are as follows:

Canadian Cottages

These cottages are small two-storey buildings often built nearby a water body.

English Small Cottages

English cottages are thatched rooftops that work as an economical way to tackle harsh weather conditions. These also have gardens which grow against the walls of the architecture.

Nordic Cottage Houses

Nordic cottages are built from wood and painted red. The bright colours help them to stand out from the common greenery during summer and wintery white during winter. 

South African Cottage Homes

In South Africa, cottage farmhouses are built from stucco walls and thatched roofing. The long cottages in South Africa are known as Langhuis.

American Cottage Farm House

Wooden shingles that grow grey in the sea air are a common characteristic of small American cottages on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

Don’t miss It!

Roomy Cottage-Style Residences

Spacious cottage-style homes are an upscale twist on the classic cottage, providing more room while keeping the quaint, cosy aesthetics. These houses typically feature larger living areas and multiple bedrooms, often including extra spaces like sunrooms, large porches, or expansive gardens. The design maximises space without sacrificing a cottage’s intimate, welcoming feel.

Architecturally, these homes may still feature the signature steep gabled roofs, large chimneys, and handcrafted woodwork, but on a grander scale. Inside, you might find open floor plans that combine the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This helps keep the space airy and light, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Natural materials like wood and stone remain prominent, providing a rustic yet sophisticated interior.

The outdoor spaces of spacious cottage-style homes are often as thoughtfully designed as the interiors. Landscaping is vital in extending the living space outdoors, with patios, gardens, and terraces perfect for relaxation and entertainment. These homes are designed to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. This makes them ideal for those who appreciate nature’s beauty and the comforts of a well-designed home.

Bright and Charming Cottage Home

Colourful cottage-style homes often feature exteriors painted in cheerful hues like blues, greens, and yellows or even more daring colours like lavender or coral. These colours make the homes stand out and reflect the owners’ personalities and tastes. The colours can be coordinated with the natural scenery or made to pop in a more muted area.

These cottages continue the theme inside with colourfully painted walls, vibrant fabrics, and eclectic decor that mixes and matches different patterns and textures. The interiors are typically filled with natural light, which enhances the colours and creates a warm, inviting environment. Furniture often includes vintage or shabby chic pieces, which align perfectly with a cottage home’s informal and relaxed atmosphere.

The use of colour extends to the windows, doors, and trim, with contrasting shades highlighting the cottage’s unique architectural features. Multi-paned windows with brightly painted frames are common, adding a whimsical touch to the façade.

In landscaping, colourful cottage-style homes often feature gardens that are just as vibrant as the structures. Flower beds, shrubs, and climbing plants are selected for colour and texture, creating a visually stunning outdoor space that complements the house’s playful spirit.

Cost of Cottage House

Fabricated cottages are comparatively lower in pricing than the ones that need to be built from the ground. However, the price of these small cottages solely depends on the size, interiors, construction materials, and place it is being constructed. Therefore, the cost of these houses is subject to change from one property to another. 

Wrapping Up

Cottages are often associated with comfortable living, getaways, and rural areas. The history of cottage homes is extensive and varied. They were frequently made as compact dwellings for labourers, constructed using resources found on the nearby terrain. They eventually came to be associated with any compact, quaint home, typically found in a countryside or vacation area. Today, cottage-style is the most common phrase to describe a compact, cosier house with facilities intended for pleasant living.

FAQ’s about Cottage House