Picture a cozy home with arched doorways, a chimney, a charming front porch, and a stone or brick façade. Whether this house has beachfront views or is nestled in the countryside, you’ve just envisioned a quaint cottage-style home. One of many popular home styles, cottage-style homes have stood the test of centuries for a reason. So whether you’re looking for your first home in the suburbs or a vacation rental house by the coast, you may want to consider a cottage house.
To help you decide if this is the right style home for you, we’ll explain what a cottage home is, its characteristics, pros and cons, and its different variations. Let’s jump in.
What is a cottage-style home?
A cottage home is a small property often associated with beach or country living, blending into nature with rustic details. These homes are typically one story, while some may have an additional half-story or second floor. They’re known for their cozy charm and can be a great option for a variety of homebuyers and renters.
History of cottage houses
Like many of the home styles out there, cottages are steeped in history, dating back to the Middle Ages (1400s-1500s). It’s unclear which country they originated in, but cottage house plans were popular in England, Norway, Finland, and Russia, among many other countries. The original style was built with a thatched roof and wood or stone exterior. It was typically a small house located in the countryside popular with the farming community.
By the 19th century, the cottage-style home migrated to the US. These homes quickly became popular vacation home styles along the east coast, especially in areas like Cape Cod, MA, or Newport, RI. Since then, cottage-style houses have remained a staple beachside home and are even common in more populated and metropolitan areas.
Characteristics of a cottage home
Cottage homes have some common exterior and interior characteristics that make them unique to their style.
Exterior features
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