9 of the loveliest cottages for sale right now
Time and again, the joys of cottages have been expounded. Period features, exposed original beams, vast fireplaces and flagstone floors have become the ideal British interior for many and cottages are in high demand. As Christopher Stocks writes, in his essay that asks why we love cottages so much, “the curious thing is that, until late in the reign of Queen Victoria, the idea of actually wanting to live in a country cottage would have seemed quite mad, at least to anyone who could afford something better.” The reason for this is that they were designated for the poorer people in society, who generally lived in them in “conditions of greater or lesser deprivation, hardship and squalor.”
What was the turning point then, and why do we all want to live in one now? It came, as Christopher continues “as Britain industrialised and we lost touch with the reality of rural life. For those seeking an escape from the raucous, reeking, congested, smoke-blackened hell of a Victorian city, a rural cottage offered a nostalgic vision of peace and quiet.” That ideal remains today, with more people than ever fantasising about leaving the city for a more idyllic country life.
Britain is not short of chocolate-box perfect cottages, with plenty of picturesque villages up and down the country to fulfil even the fussiest house-hunter. So, whether you're fantasising of a life in the cottage from The Holiday, or genuinely looking to up sticks and move to the Cotswolds, we've looked at the listings and rounded up the most charming cottages for sale right now.
9 lovely cottages for sale right now
Inigo1/9Llanfynydd, Carmarthenshire
Set amidst gently rolling hills with idyllic views, this restored 18th-century farmhouse, built around 1796, has been thoughtfully transformed by designer Hilton Marlton. The 2,500 sq ft home retains much of its historic charm, and includes historic barns with versatile potential, and planning permission for further extension is in place. Surrounded by 12 acres of ancient woodland and meadows, the land supports rare native species and is grazed by White Park cattle. Additional land is available by negotiation.
The unspoiled west Wales countryside, rich with ancient footpaths and historic landmarks, offers a timeless rural setting. Likely built on the footprint of a Welsh longhouse, the farmhouse was remodeled in the 18th century, with subtle modern updates enhancing its charm and development potential.
£1,100,000
KWUK Advantage2/9Crockenhill, Kent
Nestled on a row of equally picturesque cottages, this two-bedroom cottage may be surrounded by fields, but is also just a few minutes walk from the nearest pub – which is always a plus. It's locale, the village of Swanley, has plenty to offer in the way of shops, and trains run frequently into Victoria station, making this a popular spot for commuters. The walls may be a little stark and the bathroom a little dated, but a few quick fixes could transform the house into quite the little gem.
Guide price: £340,000
Savills3/9Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
As cottages go, it rarely gets more idyllic than this two-bedroom delight in the ever-popular Cotswolds region. Built in local stone, the sun-kissed exterior makes a joyful first impression, which is only continued by the delicate, neutral decoration inside. Structurally (and, in our opinion, decoratively) very little needs to be done - potential buyers need only to move in and start enjoying life in this sweet little spot down a lane.
Offers in excess of £500,000
MAP Estate Agents4/9Carnmenellis, Redruth
Sitting bang in the middle of Falmouth and Redruth, two of Cornwalls many lovely towns, this three bedroom cottage comes complete with 4.95 acres of land, which the current owners are using as a caravan and motorhome site. The dainty little house is busting with sought-after architectural details – including a generous inglenook fireplace, stone walls and wooden beams on the ceilings. The best part? It's just a few minutes walk from Stithians Reservoir – a rather dramatic body of water with beach-like banks: perfect for a morning dip.
£700,000
Homewise5/9Chichester, West Sussex
Despite being just two stories tall and having two bedrooms, the airy and considered decoration of this cottage makes it feel spacious. A possible third bedroom can be found on the ground floor, making this the perfect spot for those who struggle with stairs. And if you work from home, the outbuilding at the end of the garden is begging to be an office. The cottage is nestled happily between Chichester, Arundel and The South Downs, each of which is more charming than the last.
£376,500
Irvings6/9Booze, Arkengarthdale
This cottage in the increasingly popular county of North Yorkshire is completely surrounded by the undulating hills which make up this particularly beautiful part of the English countryside. Built in a local stone known as Millstone Grit, the house has two comfortable reception rooms downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs. Though the interiors may be a little dated, it is nothing a lick of paint and a few pretty fabrics couldn't fix.
£300,000
Inigo7/9Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Pleasingly symmetrical (as it's Georgian origins would suggest), Old Bakehouse in Henley-on-Thames is the perfect family home, conveniently located just an hour from London. Its current owners have been sympathetic to its Georgian origins, restoring the house while maintaining its existing vernacular. A neutral palette allows the architecture to sing – and sing it does, with large, brick-lined fireplaces and wooden beams stretching across the ceilings throughout. The outside, a large garden plays host to a garage, which, topped with a studio, is perfect for guests.
£2,000,000
Twenty Twenty Property8/9Silverton, Devon
Nestled in a row of cob cottages, this two-bedroom Grade II -isted thatched house dates back to the 1600s. The ground floor features a sitting room and newly refurbished kitchen and leads onto a lovely big garden. Upstairs, lime plastered bedrooms add to the cosy feel.
The cottage is located in the picturesque Silverton, on the commuter friendly side of Exeter. It's currently being used as a thriving AirBnB, but it would also make a wonderful (and affordable) turn-key ready family home. The village has everything you need, including a primary school and two excellent pubs.
£230,000
Inigo9/9Rye, East Sussex
Situated in an area steeped in ancient Saxon history, this charming 15th-century farmhouse sits on a wooded ridge near the popular town of Rye, offering stunning views of the East Sussex countryside. Lovingly restored by its current owners, with meticulous attention to every detail, the Grade II-listed, L-shaped home spans 3,790 sq ft across three floors and includes expansive outbuildings, gardens, and a treehouse inspired by Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage. The historic town of Rye is nearby, known for its boutiques, pubs, and eateries, while the sandy beaches of Camber are also within easy reach. The east wing, dating back to the 15th century, features close-stud work that highlights its architectural significance. The western part of the house, added in the 1600s, includes timber-framed areas that were later reconstructed in red brick. The L-shaped northern wing is a Georgian addition, characterized by a steeply-pitched roof and casement windows. Together, these features create a façade that is a charming palimpsest of historical periods. For further details, please refer to the History section.
£1,350,000
