♥What I love about the blogosphere is that there is something for everyone, literally. If you are so inclined you can find blog sites that cater to the mansion owner {or the dreamer who dreams of one day living in one}, the industrious do-it-yourself artists, those who live on a ranch or farm, city dwellers and last but not least, cottage lovers. Trust me, I’ve only hit a few of the themes, but you get what I’m saying, right?
There is room (no pun intended) in my heart for admiration of a little of each of the above, but when push comes to shove, I prefer the cottage and the smaller rooms that generally accompany that.
I’m sure that a psychologist might say I need the security of close environs. I’m not sure there is anything to that other than a subconscious draw to cozy and quaint. I appreciate good design whether it’s been achieved in a spacious room or home, or a small one, but when I stumble upon a smaller home, layered with antiques, comfortable and inviting furnishings, I swoon.
A rose growing over the front door only works to seal the deal…
{The image above was taken by the talented Trish of Trouvais. This lovely cottage is in Montecito, California}
Laguna Beach ~ photo by Linda Yvonne, flickr
Hubby and I were both born and raised on the west coast, Southern California to be exact, and early in our marriage we discovered the charming town of Carmel. It has been a favorite weekend getaway since before we had our children. It remains top on our list of destinations, in fact it has always been a bit of a dream to live there one day. The Fairytale Cottages are amazing and I enjoy taking pictures each visit.
I love the shingles that are made to look like thatching…
Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Linda Yvonne
Fairytale Cottage ~ photo by Andreas Graemiger, flickr
Raindrop Cottage, Carmel ~ Linda Yvonne, flickr
For more detailed information about the Fairytale Cottages built by Hugh Comstock visit HERE
“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give.”
~ Thomas Jefferson
What are your thoughts on this? No right or wrong answer, just a preference!
Join me at No Minimalist Here open house party…she features a lovely home in New Orleans!
Garden, Home & Party 
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
These pictures remind me of many of the cottages that I’ve seen (and loved) in Carmel. There’s still a big part of me that would love to someday live in a darling cottage. Thanks for a beautiful post.
Linda
Carla said:
Karen…what a charming way to distill what cottage lovers love about the cottage. Your pictures are wonderful examples of why a cottage is so endearing. The quaint and cozy sums up what makes me happy too. As for the rambling rose over the door and a sprawling cottage garden..if there is a heaven and I deserve to be there..that is where I want to be. CARLA
Sherry said:
We visited Carmel several years ago and saw these Fairytale cottages. I fell in love!
Thanks for sharing this at the Open House party.
Gretchen said:
Karen, I’d take any one of these! Who need a mansion? I’ve always preferred small cozy spaces. Carmel is practically an entire city of cottages – I guess that’s why I love going there so often.
Kifus said:
I’d love to stop by at The Cottage Tearooms for a cup of tea. Isn’t it sweet!
A happy weekend to you, Karen!
Content in a Cottage said:
Karen….You found some spectacular cottages for us. Thanks. Love the Jefferson quote too. Have a great weekend!
Trish said:
Hi Karen. I took that photo of the home with the roses over the entry (# 5). I had visited Jermaine of French Kissed in Santa Barbara. She showed me Saladino’s place in Montecito…and this was nearby. Probably a far from cottage price!! It was so beautiful…love the roofline. I agree…love smaller rather than Baronial scale homes!! Have a wonderful week! XO Trish
Meghan @ Wishful Thinking said:
Given the choice between a cosy cottage and a sprawling mansion, I would go for the cottage every time. I often wonder if it’s because I grew up in a very small house and the familiarity and comfort is what attracts me? I would love to hear what a psychologist has to say about that! I oohed and aahed at each one of these beauties! They will definitely make their way into my inspiration folder!
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
I do love a cozy cottage. Even better if it’s the carriage house to my sprawling, decaying, old stone mansion…
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