topic Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY in Home

SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Oznell — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 16:57:18 GMT

This is a 1710 farmer's cottage in the tranquil Cotswolds, restored and lived in by English designer Caroline Holdaway. It originally had just one room downstairs, and one room up, and there was an unfortunate addition in the Seventies.

It's still small and simple, but feels both fresh and authentic to me. It is used as an escape from the city, but could easily be adapted for continuous living, in my view.

Love the stone walls, and raftered ceiling in the sitting room.

The board and batten door here, with antique iron hardware, is one of my favorite touches, along with the weathered, reclaimed wood floors.

The kitchen is described as "tiny" but functional by the owner. I know I keep repeating the word, but the simplicity is just beguiling to me! (Even though, in real life, I have a jaundiced view of open shelves, ha.)

The colorful collection of hand-made kitchen pottery (local maybe?) is interesting.

But what first grabbed me about this tiny cottage, was the dining room. The knock on many English worker-type cottages is that they are cozy, but dark.

Well, I love how here they've cleverly configured the architecture to bring light and a feeling of openness.

Much of the wood in the cottage is English elm, and some of the chairs are Scandinavian antiques.

There are three types of "decorative" objects that keep geting repeated in the cottage-- handmade pottery, interesting candle ware and candlesticks, and fresh flowers, all on view here.

Putting a wall shelf in this spare bedroom is a great idea for display of favorite prints and other art work-- you can have a revolving gallery of art, as whim dictates. There's another vintage door.

Before renovation, the bathroom was avocado...

The master bedroom had a severely lowered false ceiling, but permission was gotten to open it up and follow the natural roofline, thankfully!

A little study corner, again with lovely old wavy elm shelves.

This sweet passage way with its contrasting elements, has the quality of a "still life" to me.

She describes the yard as "handkercheif size", but roses, lavender, doggies and an old bench make it pretty inviting.

Kind of a fairy tale, to me! Oh, I'd do some things differently, of course. She has a weaver she relies on who does high quality, tightly woven modern rugs, for example, that she says are necessary because of the doggos. I'd have to have vintage rugs in a cottage myself, but I see her reasoning...

English cottages never fail to fascinate me with their quirkiness, doll house proportions, and charming modesty. Oh, and the way they embrace age and imperfections!

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

GingerPeach — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:03:17 GMT

I didn't know I'd been craving an English cottage tour!

@Oznell

I'm on board with you about the open shelves (they're almost a default option in each room) but I especially respect their clever way of adding light. Light is so critical. As is being surrounded by charm!

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Marsha2003 — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:12:42 GMT

I'm always drawn to the charm of cottages, but I don't know that I would like to live in one in real life. It's fun to dream, though, and this is a good one to dream about. Thanks, @Oznell, for posting the pictures.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

BlueFinch — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:28:48 GMT

I could nest in this little cottage quite nicely. I love the natural, organic feel. It has an interesting personality all on its own, enhanced by the simple furnishings.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Katcat1 — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 17:54:56 GMT

Charming. The two large dogs live in this cottage?

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Toots711 — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 18:10:06 GMT

@Oznell

Thank you for posting this!

I found Caroline's website and this photo.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

rms1954 — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 18:14:27 GMT

I think it's lovely.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

kate2357 — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:42:21 GMT

It's a lovely, tranquil looking cottage. When I think of English cottages, the garden of lavendar and roses comes to mind.

Thanks for posting this nicely done cottage.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

DREAMON — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 20:39:16 GMT

I love it. It's just about perfect for me.

I would have to take that drape down over the door in the sitting room and the furniture in that room would have to be replaced.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Duckncover — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 21:22:46 GMT

This cottage is so charming...but I would need to put glass fronts on those kitchen shelves😬

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

grandma r — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 21:57:32 GMT

@Oznell. The cottage is charming. The garden us just lovely.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Oznell — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 01:20:38 GMT

Yes, @Katcat1 , those big dogs live in the house! I think she said that's why she had those "practical" rugs-- she said they are "bulletproof".

@Toots711, thanks for posting the picture! She appears to have an individualistic personal style that goes nicely with the cottage....

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Katcat1 — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 06:05:25 GMT

@Oznell Heaven help her. I hope the dogs get to run around outside daily for exercise. I just hate to see big dogs made to lay around. I'm a cat person myself but still love dogs. She would have been better off with a couple small dogs.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

ID2 — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:55:56 GMT

Yikes!! Look out! That sagging roof is about to collapse!

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Imaoldhippie — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:13:30 GMT

I love it all! I have my bags packed to move in today! Thanks for the share.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Patriot3 — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:25:17 GMT

What a charming, cute cottage. I don't think I could live here, but it sure is fun to look at.....thanks!

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

Oznell — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:01:42 GMT

Oh, not to worry, @Katcat1 -- those dogs seem very well loved, and probably well exercized in that small English hamlet and surrounding unspoiled countryside...

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

SandySparkles — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:50:29 GMT

I LOVE everything about this beautiful cottage, and would welcome the opportunity to relax there for a weekend!😊

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

wilma — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 19:16:39 GMT

It's very charming and cozy. I like the use of color and the plants and flowers inside. The more rustic elements aren't my style. I love the yard with the dogs!

@ID2

I noticed the sagging roof too.

Re: SMALL ENGLISH COTTAGE SIMPLICITY

stevieb — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 22:14:44 GMT

There's quite a bit about his cottage one might like. For me, though, there's an age beyond which I simply am not interested and I'm afraid this little place has met it's sell-by date. It's probably very sturdy but looks as if the big bad wolf could take care of it easily. Still, it's quite charming.