Cottage house plans are informal and magical, evoking the magic of storybooks and fairytales. At Archival Designs, we bring a vast collection of house plans including cottage style home design from renowned architects and designers. Our cottage house plans offer the perfect blend of charm, functionality and convenience. Whether you are thinking of dreamy getaways, or a cozy residence of everyday life, each of our designs have something to capture your heart. If you admire the craftsmanship and detailed woodwork found in these homes, you may also appreciate the timeless features of our Craftsman style house plans. Both styles share a focus on natural materials and inviting, cozy spaces. Explore our single story house and floor plans to discover more charming, functional home designs perfect for cozy living and everyday comfort. For a delightful blend of indoor and outdoor living, explore our house plans with wraparound porch, offering scenic views and a touch of classic charm. For a spacious yet cozy layout, our Ranch style house plans and floor plans offer designs that blend comfort with timeless appeal, similar to cottage homes. For those seeking more space, check out our 2-story house plans that offer the perfect blend of functionality and design. Explore options like modern, duplex, and traditional 2-story layouts.
Cottage house plans create the charm of a storybook home with vertical board-and-batten, shingle, or stucco walls, gable roofs, balconies, porches, and bay windows. Here are some of the characteristics of a typical cottage style home design:
Cottage house plans were originally made popular by home pattern books including Cottage Residences by Andrew Jackson Downing. While the house designs are picturesque, each house is unique and filled with individuality.
Cottage style homes recreate the quaint charm of cottage architecture with steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and front porches that have unmatched curb appeal.The gabled roof is a classic element in cottages, with the front-facing gables originating from Tudor style while side-facing gables borrowed from the Cape Cod school.
The house design exudes warmth and hospitality with open-concept living areas that flow from one space to another, ideal for family gatherings or entertaining visitors.
Cottage style homes often rely on asymmetrical architecture. They embrace asymmetry in the placement of chimneys, gables, garages, and porches.
The design is reminiscent of the natural world. There is a generous use of exposed beams, wood floors, brick and stone elements.
In traditional English cottages, the fireplace was the centerpiece, offering a source of heat and a place to gather around. Cottage revival architecture does a hat tip to this tradition with massive chimney stack features that are often pleased near the front door.
A common feature to cottage finishes is lap siding. The siding color often complements the trim colors near the windows and doorways. Cobblestone pathways, slate roofs, window boxes, and brick gardens give a feeling of informal and organic landscaping.
One of the biggest benefits of a cottage style home is the lower maintenance needed to keep your house looking its finest. The layout of the cottage makes it much more manageable than living in a large home. Cottage designs also feature low-maintenance exteriors and minimal landscaping, enabling homeowners to spend less time on upkeep and more on enjoying their peaceful surroundings.
The entire aesthetic of cottage style homes is about cozy living, comfort and warmth, making them the perfect retreat from the din and bustle of routine life.
The cottage-revival style has timeless architectural details and nostalgic value. These homes evoke a sense of the old world charm and romance, creating an inviting space for homeowners and visitors.
Cottage style homes celebrate nature by creating an outdoor space where you can appreciate natural beauty and surroundings.
Their smaller size and footprint often translates into savings with lower construction costs, lower property taxes, lower insurance, and less upkeep.
Cottage style homes are more environmentally friendly and affordable because of their smaller sizes and smarter designs.
Taking inspiration from the picturesque English countryside, English cottage designs have charming thatched roofs, ivy covered walls, and whimsical gardens to create the storybook vibe.
Many of our designs feature modern cottage designs that infuse contemporary elements into cottage house features. Using sleek lines, minimalist interiors and innovative technology along with some traditional elements these cottages combine the best of both worlds.
Storybook style cottage homes follow an architectural design inspired by fairy tales and traditional European cottages. Features like striking roof lines and an exterior made of stucco, stone and cedar shakes often create the whimsical world of fairytales. There is emphasis on outdoor living with screened and open rear porches and a patio. Other dominant themes include half-timbering, quaint windows, thatched roofs and cottage gardens.
If you are a fan of coastal living then coastal cottage designs capture the essence of beachside living with light-filled interiors, airy layouts, and expansive windows to maximize the ocean views.
