Cottages

A cottage is a small house, typically located in a rural or semi-rural setting. The term is of British origin and is commonly used to describe modest, comfortable dwellings that are smaller than a typical urban or suburban home.

Architectural characteristics often include compact proportions, thick walls built from stone or brick, timber framing with plaster, and roofing such as thatch or slate. Windows tend to be small and have multiple panes. Interiors are usually simple, with a central fireplace and a cozy, domestic layout.

Historically, cottages were associated with agricultural workers in medieval and early modern Britain. In the 18th and 19th centuries the cottage orné movement romanticized them as picturesque country homes, influencing garden design and domestic architecture.

Today, cottages serve various roles: primary residences in rural areas, second homes, or holiday rentals. The term is used across Europe and North America to describe small leisure dwellings. In the United Kingdom, many cottages are protected as listed buildings due to cultural and historical value. Cottage gardening, characterized by informal, flower-rich borders, is a common complement to the cottage lifestyle.