Living in an urban area makes rural retreats especially appealing. While moving permanently to a village isn’t always practical, visiting country cottages on trips across Europe and the U.S. offers a peaceful taste of simple, slow-paced living.
Whether nestled along quiet English rivers, hidden behind ancient European fortress walls, or tucked away on a sunny California island, these charming homes capture the timeless appeal of country living. Join me as we explore a few of my absolute favorite picturesque country cottages from my travels around the world, starting with a true storybook gem in the English countryside. These are country houses I have seen and loved over 20+ years of international travel.
What Makes a Country Cottage?
Although every country has its own architectural traditions, most country cottages share a few timeless characteristics. They are typically small, cozy homes built with local materials such as stone, brick, timber, or stucco, and are often surrounded by flower gardens, hedges, or quiet country lanes. In England, many cottages are known for their thatched roofs and honey-colored Cotswold stone, while French cottages often feature weathered shutters and climbing ivy. Italian cottages blend naturally into rolling vineyards and olive groves, and rustic cottages in on the West Coast of the US reflect the character of their local landscapes. Despite their differences, country cottages all evoke a sense of simplicity, warmth, and rural charm that has inspired travelers for generations.
Country Cottages in England
England is home to classic rural architecture, where centuries-old thatched roofs and honey-colored stone cottages define the countryside landscape. Let me show you a few of my favorite English cottages.
1. Fairy Tale Cottage in Houghton
Beautiful fairy tale country cottage in Houghton, Cambridgeshire
See my photos from Houghton
This house is my favorite of all the country cottages in England. It is located in Houghton, a small old village in Cambridgeshire on a quiet street out of the way. We loved it the minute we saw it. The best way for exploring small villages is to rent a budget car in England and plan a trip through quaint villages.
Best Things to Do in Houghton and 15 Best Day Trips from Cambridge
2. Stone Cottage in the Cotswolds
Upper Slaughter, England – Large stone country cottage in the Cotswolds
See my photos from the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are one of the most popular tourist regions in England. This area is made from many small villages spread over rolling hills that are bright green. During the summers, the region is filled with tourists from all over the world. Once you visit the Cotswolds, you will immediately see why the region is so popular. All these villages seem to be taken out from a fairy tale book and their country cottages are just too pretty.
The Slaughters (upper and lower) are among the most idyllic villages in England. In Upper Slaughter we found this large stone cottage right next to a shallow stream. Simply gorgeous.
15 Best Places to See in the Cotswolds
3. Small Cottage in Stanton
Stanton, England – Small stone cottage on the hill.
See my photos from the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are dotted with small villages and country churches. Stanton is one of the larger villages but just like other villages, abounds in small country cottages made of the special yellowish Cotswolds rock. This area is just beautiful to drive through and to actually stop, sit on a bench in front of the church and take a look around.
If you’re planning a trip to this area of England you can read my tourist guides for great nearby cities like Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. As you drive through the Cotswolds and the surrounding area be on the lookout for beautiful old English mansions that are scattered throughout the countryside.
Country Cottages in Europe
Across mainland Europe, rural architecture varies dramatically—from medieval stone structures in hilltop French villages to mysterious homes hidden among the hills of Romania. Take a look at these European cottages.
4. Medieval Cottage in Perouges, France
Perouges, France – Beautiful stone country cottage with small windows and wooden doors
See my photos from Perouges
Perouges is a medieval village in France close to the border with Switzerland. Here in Perouges, I found many old stone buildings hidden inside the old fortress walls.
Walking Tour of Medieval Perouges
5. Ivy Covered Cottage in Yvoire, France
Yvoire, France – Ivy covered country house overlooking Lake Geneva.
See my photos from Yvoire
Yvoire is located on the border between Switzerland and France. Yvoire is over 700 years old and it retains many of its original buildings. This small medieval village is located on the shore of Lake Geneva right across from the large city of Geneva. The beautiful lake settings makes Yvoire a very idyllic place to visit.
Yvoire Travel Guide
6. Old House in St Paul de Vance, France
Stone country house on a narrow cobbled stone street in Saint Paul de Vance
See my photos from Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is an old village with perfectly preserved walls and cobbled stone streets. Located on the French Riviera in the hills overlooking the sea, Saint Paul de Vence is an obvious tourist attraction.
7. Mysterious Cottage in Corbii din Piatra, Romania
Corbii din Piatra, Romania – Small country cottage in a mysterious village
See my photos from Corbii din Piatra
Corbii din Piatra is a small village nestled among rolling hills in Arges County in Romania. This one cottage belonged to an old woman who was very kind to take us into her backyard and show us some of the really mysterious rock formations right in her backyard. The house needed some repair, but it just looked so pretty and colorful.
Visit Mysterious Corbii din Piatra
8. Grape Vine Cottage in Monteriggioni, Italy
Beautiful stone cottage covered with grape vines in Monteriggioni
See my photos from Monteriggioni
Located in the heart of Tuscany, close to the highway from Siena to Florence, Monterrigioni is a gem of a medieval fortress village. Monteriggioni sits on the top of the hill overlooking the gorgeous Tuscany landscape all around.
Country Cottages in the USA
In the United States, country cottages blend European architectural roots with distinct regional character, from coastal retreats in California to lavender country cottages in Washington. Let’s take a look at a few American country homes I love.
9. Flowery Cottage in Avalon, California
Small country cottage covered in flowers in Avalon, California
See my photos from Catalina Island
Avalon is the only town on Catalina Island in California. When you visit Catalina Island however, you get the feeling that you are in the Italian Riviera, with Avalon being spread over beautiful hills. This particular country cottage in Avalon was not in a very popular area but it was just beautiful being covered with flowers.
Best Things to do on Catalina Island
10. Mountain Cottage in Corbett, Oregon
Corbett, Oregon – Chic country cottage on the Historic Columbia River Highway
See my Columbia River Gorge Photos
We found this beautiful cottage as we were exploring the Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon in a small village on the edge of the gorge itself. This was a small lavender and flower farm that we simply had to stop and see, and of course take some pictures.
11. Lavender Mansion in Sequit, Washington
Sequim, Washington – Lavender fields at the George Washington Inn
See my photos from Sequim
Yes I know, this is not a cottage, it’s a mansion! Even though it’s large and imposing, compared to the other cottages in this article the George Washington Inn is absolutely gorgeous. In the month of July, when we came to visit, the building is surrounded by blooming lavender and poppy flowers. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Driving around the lavender fields of Sequim was one of the highlights of our day trips from Seattle, Washington. Even the kids liked all the many colors and perfumes at these farms.
How to Find Country Cottages When Traveling
First, you have to travel to the countryside. I have found quaint country cottages both in popular tourist places and off the beaten path. Most of the time however, even in a very popular tourist spot, you have to go away from crowds of tourists in order to find country cottages. This means that you have to take your time and explore your destination. Do you have a favorite country cottage?
