The quintessential chocolate box cottage with a beautiful garden full of foxgloves, lavender and roses, whilst being in a village location, is an idea that has been heavily romanticised. Personally I always think of the film ‘The Holiday’ and that pretty little home that the character Iris (played by Kate Winslet) owned when it was all covered in snow. I was genuinely gutted when I realised it wasn’t actually a real place.
This week’s blog post has been inspired by my recent trip back to my parents’ home: while driving through the countryside and seeing plenty of gorgeous cottages I decided I just had to seek out the cream of the crop and show them to you. It is important to remember though, before I show what is currently on the market, that there are various different types of cottage: these include the “two up, two down” worker’s cottage, the fisherman’s cottage (which is often attached to a bigger property) and the pre-Victorian cottage with lower ceilings and exposed beams.
Naturally, many of these properties have been extended and adapted as the years have gone past to suit a practical, modern way of living; such as adding a sociable kitchen space or more bedrooms.
I think what I love most about Britain’s cottages though is that each area has its own style or personal touch which people can pick out in an instant. For example, in Sussex you get a lot of tile-hung properties, whereas in Wiltshire and Dorset it’s thatched roofs, and in the Cotswolds it is that classic yellow Jurassic limestone. So with that in mind, I have picked out three different dream cottages from around the country that will get you reaching for your wallet.
Shaftesbury, Dorset – £228,000
Admittedly this has to be my favourite cottage of the blog post this week hence the photo overload! It might not be massive but what this terraced property lacks in size it certainly makes up for in style. The owner clearly has an eye for detail as it has been beautifully decorated throughout and is packed with period features including a wood burner and beams. When can I move in?!
Full details can be found at Jackson Stops & Staff – 01747 850858
http://www.jackson-stops.co.uk/
Sutton-on-the-Forest, York – £215,000
This adorable cottage is not far from beautiful York and is yet another property that has been restored to a great standard whilst forming part of a small development of houses on the site of the former Blackwell Ox public house. The village it is situated in is surrounded by open countryside making it the perfect opportunity for someone who likes both the city and country life.
Full details can be found at Savills – 01904 617820
Bampton, Oxfordshire – £325,000
Finally we have this delightful two bedroom cottage in a sought after Cotswolds location with views of the village including the church. The cottage itself has two bedrooms, a courtyard garden, high ceilings, a sun room and what’s more is a short stroll away from the local amenities – perfect!
Full details can be found at Penny & Sinclair – 01993 220555
http://www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk/
All photos are property of their respective publishers.
Hope Killick 