Living in busy cities isn’t the ideal choice for everyone.
For many people, the countryside is the setting that calls out your name!
If this applies to you, then you might want to consider moving into a cottage.
These types of property have many unique features.
Keep reading for an explanation on what is a cottage, and the pros and cons of living in one.
What is a cottage?
A cottage is a type of small property that you find in the British countryside.
This type of house is considered to be of major cultural significance in the United Kingdom.
For many, it represents quintessential Britishness and is thus a desirable property.
Cottages are usually smaller than a typical house. The ceilings may be lower, and the doorframe not quite as big.
You tend to find these properties in small towns and villages in the countryside. It’s extremely rare to see them in cities.
A cottage has a traditional style, which typically include some or all of the following:
- Thatched roof
- Stone walls
- Small windows
- A traditional fireplace
- Wooden beams.
The overall feeling when you step into a cottage is ‘cosy’. Most people agree that it has an attractive and homely appearance.
You’ll regularly see older people moving into this type of house in their later years.
When were cottages first introduced in the UK?
Cottages have a long and rich history in the United Kingdom.
As you would expect, properties with a thatched roof date back to thousands of years BC. These can’t really be considered a cottage in the true sense.
The first, smallest cottages were built during the Middle Ages for farmers. Between 500 AD and 1,500 AD, these small dwellings were perfect for people living in the countryside.
These farmers were known as ‘cotters’ at the time, which is where the word ‘cottage’ probably comes from.
In the United Kingdom, modern-day cottages became popular in the 19th century. Before then, cottages were seen as a poor person’s residence and were undesirable.
Only under Queen Victoria’s reign did this attitude start to change. Cottages were built in higher quantities after that.
Where are cottages usually found?
You tend to find cottages in rural locations. Far away from major cities and transport links are a hotspot for this type of property.
There may have once been a farm nearby, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s still there today.
Plenty of cottages are now used as holiday lets in desirable parts of the country. Examples include:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- The Lake District
- The Scottish Highlands
- Wales
- East Anglia.
Prices of cottages
The average price of a cottage depends on your location in the UK.
In Cornwall and Devon, you can expect to find a cottage for around £350,000. Meanwhile, in Northumberland, £200,000 is more typical.
In Scotland, cottages will be priced at around £225,000 on average. And in Wales, this number is roughly the same.
You’ll see significant variation in these guide figures, depending on :
- Size
- Features
- Location.
and more.
Costs of renting a cottage
Cottages are priced above average in the United Kingdom to rent.
This is because they’re often used as a ‘holiday let’ property in desirable parts of the country. You’ll usually find them close to the ocean, or in a national park, with glorious scenery.
Roughly £200 per night is a standard rate on AirBnB for the most desirable locations in the UK. This includes Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
Advantages of living in a Cottage
Gorgeous surrounding environment
Most cottages are in gorgeous locations. When you take a look out the window, you’re likely to see rolling hills or a coastline. There could be a forest nearby, or a farm with plenty of animals.
Obviously, each cottage is different, so you should do your research for any that you consider. But the likelihood of being in a wonderful rural spot is much higher.
Easier to maintain and heat
Cottages aren’t as large, which is a huge positive when you’re maintaining it. Firstly, the rooms retain heat better, because they aren’t as spacious.
And cleaning the property’s interior is quicker, because there’s less you need to cover!
Charm, character and a sense of community
Cottages have real charm and character. You will never get bored of its appearance as you return home from work (or a countryside stroll) each day.
Furthermore, rural settings often have a fabulous sense of community.
Disadvantages of living in a cottage
Lower square footage
You don’t get as much space in a cottage.
This means that there’s fewer storage options, and you can’t host big family dinners with dozens of people. If there’s only two of you living in the house, it’s not a problem.
But for major families, it’s likely to feel cramped.
Materials are difficult to find
Cottages are usually made from unique building materials.
Stone is a common example. These may be local to the region, and not widely used in the present day.
If you want to refurbish the inside, or make some changes, then this can be a major problem. It’ll cost much more to import the materials, as well as take more time.
Potentially isolated location
You’re unlikely to be in the ‘heart of things’ when you live in a cottage. These properties are found in rural communities, not in major cities.
There’s no guarantee of a motorway or trainline being close by. So, people visiting you, or you popping to the shops, could be a challenge.
What is a ‘Chocolate Box’ Cottage?
A ‘chocolate box’ cottage is the term used to describe a cottage that’s considered attractive.
If it’s picturesque, quaint and idyllic, then estate agents may use this term.
How to find a cottage near you
You could contact an estate agent in your area about cottages.
The largest companies will probably have a few listed on the market, or for let, if you’re in a rural area. If you’re in an urban location, there’s no guarantee of any cottages being near you.
A quick online search can also yield results. Rightmove and Zoopla, amongst other platforms, will show cottages near your location.
You could even drive around rural neighbourhoods and see if you can spot any by yourself.
