Average sale price £607,465 280% more than UK average £320 per sq ft

Whether thatched, wisteria-covered or adorably crooked, the country cottage’s popularity foretells its average square-foot price of £320, second only to the barn conversion and considerably higher than the much grander manor house. However, although 2.8 times above the cost of the average UK home, the country cottage is the least expensive of English village homes and, often, the most desirable.

‘Cottages are an iconic part of British housing stock,’ says Dawn Carritt, director of country houses at Jackson-stops & Staff. ‘In fact, many of the features that would often be negatives in another property, such as smaller rooms or low head heights and beams, are the most attractive parts of a cottage. They also suit a variety of needs, from making great second homes for families seeking weekend escapes or an attractive option for downsizing retirees.’