cottage

A cottage is a small house, typically located in a rural or semi-rural setting, traditionally used as a dwelling for agricultural workers or villagers. The term derives from Old English cot and Middle English cotte, words for a small shelter or dwelling.

Historically, cottages were modest, one- or two-story buildings with compact, efficient layouts. Construction materials varied by region but common features included thick walls, a steep roof, and a central hearth or inglenook. Traditional English cottages often had thatched roofs and whitewashed walls with exposed timber framing; Scottish and Irish examples frequently used stone construction and smaller, low windows.

In North America, the word cottage tends to refer to a vacation or secondary residence near a lake or coast, rather than a primary urban home. In addition to architecture, the term cottage has historical significance in the cottage industry, referring to home-based manufacturing before industrialization.

In modern times, cottages range from preserved historical examples to purpose-built holiday homes, often renovated to balance traditional charm with modern amenities. The cottage remains a symbol of rustic simplicity and rural living, and has influenced various architectural styles and interior design movements that emphasize coziness, practicality, and modest scale.