Did you catch part one which was inspired by my obsessing about all things Cotswold cottage after watching THE HOLIDAY again? This continues the fun with more peeks from Character Cottages and VRBO. Maybe you’ll find a cottage for vacation, and maybe you’ll score timeless English country inspired design ideas for your own home. English Country cottages inspiration is coming at ya.
English Country Cottages: Design Inspiration
The obsession started with the fictional dreamy Rosehill Cottage (owned by Kate Winslet/Iris Simpkins in THE HOLIDAY) here:
All that honey-toned limestone, the country setting, and the small charming rooms inside appeal to so many fans of cozy interiors. Remember the kitchen inside this adorable cottage!?!
It’s quite different from Amanda’s kitchen in Hollywood:
Getting the Cozy Look of an English Country Cottage
No matter what style your own home is, if you’re after English country flavor, these peeks from authentic historic homes in the Cotswold region may help. (I’m not suggesting you copy these interiors or exteriors; rather, study: what makes them cozy, the color story, and natural materials to which you may be drawn.
For example, I am a big fan of how gold tones and blue-greys harmonize. Look at the magic the combo brings to this Cotswold cottage:
Here’s a closer look at the grey/gold combination:
An additional example is here, and isn’t the mailbox charming!?!
So while we may not be able to easily add limestone to our design plans, maybe there is an opportunity to introduce warm neutrals with cool greys and blues.
You can also see how varying textures from stone, wood, and metal add considerable character and interest:
Let’s look at a few pretty places to holiday in England!
The Cheese Room
Find it HERE. I’m loving the deep blue door with the red brick! We just painted our own front doors on our red brick house, but we went with dark charcoal.
Here’s what the listing reveals about this property:
“Settled amongst the countryside of Warwickshire rests this charming market town of Shipston-on-Stour. Home to a wealth of local amenities, including shops, pubs and restaurants, along with a network of riverside walks and cycle trails, Shipston-on-Stour is a lovely base for a staycation.
The famed town of Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible, home to the Shakespeare Royal Theatre and Ann Hatahway’s Cottage, whilst Royal Leamington Spa rests slightly further afield.”
Love that door knocker and the guard dogs!
Chapel Cottage
Find it HERE, and you can see clearly see (below) why it is known as Chapel Cottage!
The owners of Chapel Cottage carefully preserved the traditional character of this lovely property!
Butterrow Gate
You can find more info about Butterrow Gate right HERE.
A few of its key character features? Stone mullion windows, exposed oak beams and Cotswold stone walls. Also, don’t miss the flagstone flooring as well as large inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove.
Here’s what the description of this property states:
“Butterrow Gate is located on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Stroud, famed for its independent shops, galleries and cafes. Stroud hosts an award-winning Farmers’ Market every Saturday, and there is an organic farm shop just a short drive from the property.
The town has a wide range of restaurants and pubs, the closest to Butterrow Gate being The Prince Albert Inn which is dog friendly and often has live music nights.
Abbot’s Cottage
Find the cottage’s full description HERE.
This particular vacation rental dates back to the 17th-century!
With a traditional façade, a few charming features include a lovely inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove in the living room.
Abbots Cottage is in the market town of Winchcombe, an ancient Saxon village dubbed the walking capital of the Cotswolds.
Within the town, enjoy shops, bars, and eateries as well as festivals and fundraisers, open gardens and tea dances.
Winchcombe is also home to the old Sudeley Castle and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
The train stops in Winchcombe to pick up passengers on its 28-mile round trip.
Isn’t the architecture charmingly preserved in spite of the modern amenities added?
Small Rooms Updated for Modern Living
You have to love how these small cottages utilize every square inch, however I love how this kitchen also remains airy since wall cabinets were not crammed on either side of the modern range hood.
These cottage bedrooms are so soothing and calm.
And stone walls are hard to beat as far as adding cozy factor. See more in part one!
What a charming view!
I hope this English country cottage design inspiration inspired or felt like a sweet virtual trip to the countryside!
If you happen to love Nancy Meyers movies like THE HOLIDAY, HOME AGAIN, IT’S COMPLICATED, and SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE, see these stories.
Even though I don’t live in an English country cottage, we did add a very charming Tudor-style vintage detail to our renovation that I’ll be sharing with you soon. I’m also still obsessing about these Cotswold details and will share a house on the market not far from me! 🙂
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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