Cottages are not only one of the most recognizable and beloved home design styles in history, but they’ve also managed to become synonymous with all things cozy, comfortable, and peaceful in home life. When we think of cottages, we think of grassy knolls in the countryside, moss-covered rooftops, and a steady billow of smoke pouring out the chimney of a small dwelling. Known for their simple design and comfortable accommodations, they remain popular today.
History of the Cottage Home
Commonly found in rural or semi-rural areas, what we know today as ‘cottages’ housed English farmers—or ‘cotters’—as far back as the Middle Ages. Simple in design, their small, compact footprint made for intimate living conditions for the families that inhabited them. They became increasingly more common in the countryside, but as time went on and the style made its way to the United States, their popularity began to spread. They became so popular, in fact, that in the early 1900s, Sears and Roebuck sold ready-made kits to homebuyers in their mail order catalog. Nowadays, cottages are found around the world, both in city settings and the countryside.
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What is a Cottage Home?
Cottages are known for their distinct architectural style. They are small homes, intended to house a single family. Cottages are typically asymmetrical, one to one-and-a-half story dwellings with low-pitched gable roofs and small covered porches. The chimney is often a central feature of the interior living space, a feature that greatly contributes to that cozy charm they are known for. The cottage represents an important evolution in home design, as they are often considered the precursor to the Craftsman home.
Head to our Architectural Styles page to learn more about the history and characteristics of various home designs, from A-Frame to Victorian.
FAQs
Cottages are known for their distinct architectural style. They are small homes, intended to house a single family. Cottages are typically asymmetrical, one to one-and-a-half story dwellings with low-pitched gable roofs and small covered porches.
What is a cottage answer? ›
: the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer. 2. : a usually small frame one-family house. 3. : a small detached dwelling unit at an institution.
What size house is considered a cottage? ›
But cottages are still defined by their cozy size — no more than 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, roughly half the size of the average American house.
What are the disadvantages of a cottage house? ›
Cottages, especially those in remote locations, often require more frequent maintenance compared to urban homes. These can include repairs to docks, roofs, and seasonal systems like wells and septic tanks.
How many rooms is a cottage? ›
Small cottage house plans may have just one or two rooms, while a larger cottage may have three or four rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. Despite their typically smaller size, cottage-style homes can be designed to feel spacious and inviting.
What makes a home look like a cottage? ›
Most cottages also have an asymmetrical design with a prominent chimney in the home's interior and exterior. They also tend to have small covered porches that add to the coziness and quaint feel of the house.
How do you describe a cottage? ›
A cottage is a small house, particularly a traditional or old-fashioned house, or one that is used seasonally. Your family might rent a cottage near the beach every summer. In the US, a cottage typically has only one story, while in Canada a house can be much larger and still be called a cottage.
Can any house be called a cottage? ›
A cottage is a term often used to describe any small home with cozy and rustic design elements. While most cottages tend to be on the not-so-large side, they often boast functional layouts and charming architectural details that more than make up for their sparse square footage.
What rooms does a cottage have? ›
They may contain 1–3 small bedrooms and also a small bathroom. In the combined kitchen and living room (storstuga) there is usually a fireplace. Today, many cottages have been extended with "outdoor rooms" (semi-heated external rooms with glass walls and a thin roof) and large wood terraces.
How do I know if my house is a cottage? ›
Size and Scale: Cottages are generally smaller and more intimate compared to the average house. They typically feature one to two storeys, making them quaint and cosy. Roof and Chimney: A classic cottage often has a steep, gabled roof, sometimes thatched, adding to its rustic appeal.
The definition of a house is any building that is usually used for accommodation that usually has multiple floors. Because a cottage is more than likely to be over one floor, and it is often used for short term accommodation, this is why they are given different definitions.
What is a modern cottage? ›
A modern cottage home is all about using specific colors, materials, and finishes to create a home that reflects countryside living. Instead of being in an actual cottage, the goal is to feel as if you're in one!
Are cottages cheaper than houses? ›
Short answer: It can be. That said, like a custom home there's an endless number of options that can go into building your dream custom cottage. Where you decide to draw the line on those options will likely determine your end cost.
Can you permanently live in a cottage? ›
Question: Can You Permanently Live in a Cottage? Answer: In most cases, cottages are not designed for permanent living due to their seasonal or recreational zoning restrictions. However, some people choose to convert their cottages into year-round homes by making necessary renovations and obtaining proper permits.
Why is a house called a cottage? ›
But what exactly is a cottage? What distinguishes it from, say, a farmhouse or, indeed, any other kind of dwelling? Originally, a cottage was the simple home of a medieval cotter, or agricultural labourer. Modest in scale, it would have had two, perhaps three, bedrooms upstairs, and one or two rooms downstairs.
What is the definition of cottage vs cabin? ›
Both are typically small, cozy, and rustic homes that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a long vacation. However, cabins tend to be more secluded and rustic, while cottages are often closer to civilization and offer more modern amenities.
