Cottages
May 4, 2020
We Can’t Stop Daydreaming About These Cozy English Cottages!
English cottages are the stuff of fairytales — and movies like Nancy Meyer’s The Holiday, where the owner of a glam Hollywood home swaps it for a stay in Rosewood Cottage in Surrey. The cottage in the film — full of wood beams, fieldstone fireplaces, picturesque tubs and wide-plank floors — was actually constructed in a studio, but it completely captures the romance of the English countryside. Fortunately, these projects by U.K. design firm Sims Hilditch are the real deal, although there’s some movie magic, too: founder Emma Sims-Hilditch worked in film production for director Ridley Scott (best known for Alien and Blade Runner). Who wouldn’t want to stay in these pitch-perfect pastoral projects?
The neutral color scheme and natural materials — used in the restoration of this 16th-century manor house — creates a modern feel, while remaining true to the building’s heritage. The combo of a quaint wood stove and large screen TV is the perfect recipe for a night in, while comfy sofas are ideal perches for an evening of reading.
Upholstered benches and an old-fashioned rectory table in a mellow finish are placed near a cozy fireplace for casual, family-style dining. We love personal touches that reference the history of a home, such as the vintage portrait over the mantel.
A converted barn in Wiltshire has an open layout to max out communal living. The wood ceiling adds warmth and texture, while pretty powder-blue cabinetry feels fresh. The farmhouse table is large enough to seat eight, and the woven chairs lend a garden vibe indoors.
In this 16th-century manor in Wiltshire, a boot room is a necessity. A row of hooks is draped with Barbour jackets, while a built-in cabinet is loaded with plenty of niches for storage. Stone flooring is a durable and practical choice when coming inside with muddy wellies after a walk. The lovely mulberry millwork is accented by luxe amethyst velvet pillows.
The bathroom in this Cotswold manor house was designed with luxury in mind. Picturesque leaded windows are framed by lush drapery and flood the room with natural light, perfect for applying makeup in the morning. A painted table acts as storage to hold linens and toiletries, while twin pedestal sinks have old-fashioned flare.
A child’s bedroom in an Oxfordshire manor house has a nautical twist with marine wallpaper from Ralph Lauren and striped upholstered headboards. A roman blind blacks out the room to ensure a good night’s sleep.
This countryside manor house in Dorset retains many of its original beautiful architectural details. A patterned wallpaper depicting a tree motif echoes the gorgeous greenery outside and has a vintage vibe. Who wouldn’t want to ease into this sculptural tub in the morning and crack open the window to hear the birdsong?
Large spacious work surfaces offer plenty of real estate for food prep in this charming kitchen, which gets its authentic, rustic feel from a recessed backsplash and mauve-grey cabinetry. Classic materials such as marble and subway tile are accented by a display of battered sifters and wooden spoons on open shelving.
The former bedroom in this Cotswold home was converted to a bathroom with an angled slipper bath that looks out over the garden. The shutters allow natural light in during the day or offer a secure sense of privacy when bathing (all you need is a glass of wine!).
We can’t think of a dreamier spot to arrange flowers than this space in a heritage property, formerly a working farm. Outfitted with a generous apron-front sink and bridge faucet, it makes use of a dead area under the eaves. Dusty pink custom cabinetry accents the sandy tones in the gorgeous stone floor tiles.
Sims Hilditch