COTTAGE STYLE

Defined by… • Modest proportions and low eaves (even one and a half storeys) are common • Exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and an ‘ honesty’ about the structure • Asymmetrical traditional-style timber windows that do not dominate the façade are t

How to Get it Right

If you want lots of space and large rooms, a cottage may not be for you, as they tend to be on the smaller (‘cosy’) side. This is not to say a cottage can’t comfortably accommodate a family. Look to the local vernacular for roofing materials: thatch, slate or clay tiles. The roofing material will then govern the pitch of your roof — in fact, to some degree all the materials you use will help inform the shape of your home. Stone cladding is common, too. Internally, use a palette of natural materials, such as wood or stone for flooring. To avoid pastiche, don’t be afraid to bring the style up to date and introduce modern touches — colour choices and interiors don’t have to be ‘traditional’.