Cottages are not just little houses built for vacationing. Modern cottages are exciting homes that make superior use of their interior space. Snug nooks and inviting corners await you in cottages of all sizes.
Since the Middle Ages, people have lived in cottages. During the 15th century, cottages were built for farm workers and their families and often included a barn and acres of land. By the 18th century, miners and weavers resided in cottages. Modern cottages are usually one and one-half stories, although single story cottages are popular for waterfront getaways. Modern cottages include ranches, Cape Cods and Katrina cottages. A cottage can be as spacious or small as you want.
Vacation retreats are often cottages because of their efficient design. Waterfront and lake communities are checkered with cottages along the shore. In days gone by, fishermen lived in these cottages to be near the water. Today vacationers flock to cottages near rivers and seas to experience the relaxation of the water. Cottages tucked away in the woods are often referred to as cabins. There are a variety of small cottage house plans to create your ideal oasis away from it all.
Many people rent a vacation cottage and become enamored with its charming appeal. Living in a cottage gives you that cozy feeling all year round. Cottages can be perched on mountains, nestled near a stream or situated right in the middle of a busy suburb or city. Cottage have a small, effective design with inviting amenities that give you a warm feeling no matter where you live. Front porches, winding staircases and doghouse windows give cottages added appeal.
Spacious cottage house plans include fireplaces, study nooks, built-in dining tables and attached outdoor rooms. Space is used wisely to create a variety of living spaces in different areas, such as a fold-out bed in a guest room that doubles as your office or craft room. If you have a cottage built on large property, include a matching garage and gazebo. Add a pool house next to an in-ground pool for an instant vacation right in your backyard.
Decorating cottages is fun and creative. Cottage-style decorating and "shabby chic" are often used in these smaller houses. Distinctive English cottage touches include hanging china on the walls, using a variety of colors and textures in one room and mixing patterns. Include plenty of family photos, lacy doilies, fragrant candles, distressed wood furniture and vintage mirrors for an old-fashioned cottage feeling throughout the house.
The affordable luxury of cottage home plans make them perfect for both vacationing and year-round enjoyment. Create your own personal retreat for a special welcome every time you enter the door.
Shopping online for cottage house plans makes it easy and fun to find exactly what you want for your main residence or vacation home. HDA, Inc. offers more than 17,000 different house plans including small cottage house plans along with ranches, Cape Cods and other unique cottage home plans you won't find anywhere else.
