Cottage
A cottage is a type of house, usually of a modest or small size and generally located in rural or semi-rural areas.
Originally, a cottage was a simple dwelling of a cotter (an agricultural labourer) in medieval England and Wales and was typically made up of ground floor living space (typically two rooms) and an upper floor of one or more rooms within the roof space. This was often describe as a ‘two up, two down’.
Cottages could be detached houses or terraced, as was the case with those built for workers in mining villages and other industrial areas. The windows were most commonly in mullion or casement style and the roof was very often thatched. They were usually built using post and beam construction which resulted in their characteristic low ceilings with exposed timber beams and earthen floors. Over time, the earthen floors were replaced with tiles set into a layer of sand.
Under Elizabethan-era statute, a cottage had to be built with at least 4 acres of land (a ‘small holding’). However, over the years the cottager’s right to hold land was removed by a number of Acts of Parliament, until the legal definition became a small house or habitation without land.
Cottages remain popular, often associated with small, rural villages. New build homes that resemble the look of traditional cottages may be called ‘mock cottages’.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.