Welcome to Cottage Dreaming, A Blog for Cottage Lovers...

Currently, with economic concerns impacting how we live and where we live, cottages will, I predict, have a comeback. They are usually smaller and more compact, but pack a lot of comfortable living space. A canvas wall hanging in the Spring 2012 "The Lakeside Collection" says it well: "Love grows well in Little Houses." This was true throughout the history of the United States, until the past 50 years, and it is true currently.

No offense, anyone, but a family of five in a three story, 10 room home has to work harder to keep in touch and to interact. That same family, in a five room, one story cottage or other small house, is closer, both in proximity, as well, I would suggest, as in emotional closeness. For this reason, as well as for economic necessity, small, cozy homes will be the prominent choice for middle income families in the future, as well as for empty-nesters and individuals who prefer a small home to an apartment or condo.

I love cottages of all kinds. My favorite cottage is one made of stone with a steeply pitched roof. I prefer a cottage that is close to water, whether it is a lake, bayou, coastal area or river. However, a cottage located close to the center of a commercial neighborhood is also appealing to me.

If you love cottages or other smaller homes, please join us in all things cottage, here at Cottage Dreamer. Thousands of small homes are out there ready to be custom-fit to your needs. They abound in small towns as well as in cities throughout the U.S.

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Pleasant day-dreams! Phebe


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Great Little Cottages in Central Texas

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There are many older small cottages in the Hill Country of Texas.











This stone cottage in Fredricksburg, Texas with prominent chimney is characteristic of many older Texas stone cottages.  I love the porches and red shutters.  Surely would love to see inside. 
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San Angelo is in West Central Texas.  At Fort Concho, a frontier fort and National Historic Landmark, several officers' cottages are similar to the Fredricksburg cottage in design, which makes me wonder if the dates of construction may be similar.  The officers cottages were built in the 1860's.  One is available currently for dignitaries or for overnight rental by the public.  Several have period furnishings and artwork and are open for tours. 


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Three attractive cottages are located at the LBJ National Park in Stonewall, Texas.

This red and white cottage was the home of Sam Ealy Johnson Sr.  Sam was Lyndon B. Johnson's grandfather.  This home is not open to tourists. 
Another small white cottage, where Lyndon Johnson was born and lived for his first four years has a dogtrot separating the living and child's room section from the parents' bedroom.  This home is open to be viewed through dutch doors.  Furnishings are similar in period to what was there when Lyndon and his parents lived there. 
Another small cottage sits across from the main large Johnson house, and is a home occupied by family when they visit the ranch.  It is not open for tours.
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These extremely small privately owned cottages are quaint and attractive.  I love cottage screen doors. 


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In the past 30-40 years, homebuyers have wanted larger and larger houses which caused the cottage to fall out of favor with home buyers who aspired to "Mc-Mansions" but with the housing crisis, loans difficult to obtain, and the increasing desire of some homeowners for smaller cozy homes, the more affordable cottage style in new or older cottages are likely to be in demand, especially with mid-income families.

Pleasant Day Dreams......Phebe
Post #3:  Some cottages grow and grow....

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