Cottage Classics are appealing small buildings, well loved traditional designs from the 1820s to1920s that were popular in America's youth. We adapted some of our favorites for life today, and offer construction drawings to build them. They could serve a variety of purposes, from a backyard cottage or office, to small infill house, studio, shop, weekend getaway, or place to launch your start-up business.
Cottage designs are not reproductions, but recreations of historic types. Built anew, they have quite a presence—at once fresh and timeless. Our designs have strong character, but avoid the designer's imprint. They were intended as a background for your life, and will be easy to make your own.
Can we live a larger life in a smaller home? Most of us have been effected by recent economic changes, and some are considering downsizing their homes. This does not necessarily mean reducing one's quality of life. A well-designed cottage could be more enjoyable, as well as more efficient.
Nearly 30% of all US households are now single-person, and the figure is much higher in some metro areas. The demographic shift has caused many cities to rethink their single family zoning, and some now allow backyard cottages and accessory uses.
Designing a simple cottage and developing a full set of construction drawings can become expensive, and a bit like reinventing the wheel. Cottage Classics offer an affordable alternative. Since our costs are absorbed through multiple sales, we can offer a full set of construction drawings and a license to build one unit for much less than custom residential architectural services.
Also, through Connor Homes, you can order one of these designs as a panelized mill-built package which will be shipped to your site and assembled by a local contractor. Packages consist of clearly marked components that are pre-cut and ready to assemble.
Panelized construction in a mill reduces waste and cost significantly, and will often produce a better house than one site-built. The work is done indoors and under ideal conditions. Measurements are more precise. Complex details like a proper cornice return or a classic entry pediment can be pre-assembled and sent to the site as a single piece. Your builder can install these components in a fraction of the time they would take to build on-site, and likely with better results.
This means that once your kit arrives the building can be closed-in and protected from the weather in a matter of days. Subcontractors will be easier to schedule, and the overall complexity of construction kept to a minimum. Other advantages of selecting a kit are that you will know from the start what your building will look like, how much it will cost, and when it will be delivered—all open questions in custom design until you are well down the road.
Coming attractions
We are preparing drawings and specifications for a variety of cottages and small buildings to be released later this year. They include:
Backyard Cape
Backyard Cape is an appealing garden feature, but for a single person it could be paradise compared to typical rentals. Cottage is small so it will fit most backyards, yet spacious inside. Design is based on a traditional New England half Cape with additions, but without those tiny dark rooms and low ceilings. Studio plan includes living area with shipshape kitchenette and bed alcove. Bath and laundry appear to be an addition on the back. Cottage is low to the ground for adequate height and roof pitch when height is limited by land use code.
Car Barn
Car Barn was a familiar feature of many backyards once automobiles became popular. Small barns were adapted for garages with a studio apartment in the loft. Detached from the main house, and with the horses gone, an upstairs studio could be just the place for your home office, aging parent, or unruly teenager. Apartment has a separate entry with enclosed stair. Upstairs, the plan is open with vaulted ceilings, dormers, and a cupola. Kitchenette, bath, bed alcove and closets are included. Design could be built alone, or with an attached shop and covered porches. Shop could open to garage, and covered porches extend work area outdoors.
Greek Revival Cottage
Greek Revival Cottage is a small but dignified 940 square foot one bedroom, one bath, house. Only 20 feet wide, it would fit a tight infill lot. Front is Greek Revival with covered porch and entry. Floor is set 42" above grade for more light and privacy. Inside, there is a large room with vaulted ceiling for living, dining and kitchen. An island-table defines kitchen space. Doors align down the hall, where a bath, bedroom and alcoves for laundry and a study are found. This is really a vacation house you could build in the city, and live in year around.
Shropshire Lad
Shropshire Lad might be just the ticket for suburbanites moving back to town. This English cottage gem models houses built in streetcar suburbs, and would easily fit a pre-1950 neighborhood. Its footprint is 29 x 30 feet. Rooms are well proportioned and detailed, and would make a nice background for your favorite furniture. Design includes a one story library-studio "addition" with vaulted ceiling and windows on three sides. With its own bath and closet it could become a main floor guest or master suite. Kitchen is compact and efficient; all appliances are within a few steps. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, two baths and storage below eaves. If built with a basement, it could provide additional space for garage or hobbies.
Country School
Country School is a versatile early 19th Century building type that could make a terrific office, live-in studio, cottage industry or, eh... schoolhouse! With its simple dignity (and lit cupola windows) it would become a beacon of civility in the landscape. Plan includes a covered porch, entry hall that opens to an "office" on one side, and "classroom" on the other with bath at the end of hall. Classroom has huge windows on four sides and tall ceiling. Space is provided for a kitchenette, and French doors open to a back terrace.
Saltbox Slice
Saltbox Slice, only 18 feet wide, is a mere slice of an 18th Century American Colonial Saltbox. If built on a typical city lot, its narrow width would allow room for a substantial garden. Stairs and utility functions are grouped along one side, so the house can open to the other. Front and back elevations are of a finely scaled Federal townhouse, calm and symmetrical, with delicate windows, dormers and pilasters. While Slice has a dignified presence on the street, it is informal inside. Living, dining and kitchen are open to one another and to the outdoors. Upstairs are two bedrooms, closets and a bath. A third floor loft extends the width of the house with end windows and dormers. Floor plan can be reversed, if preferred for sun orientation.
Neighborhood Grocery
Neighborhood Grocery recalls a welcome feature of many early 20th Century neighborhoods. Small independent groceries like this with an apartment above the store were common. An entry lobby provides access to both floors. Storefront has tall windows facing the street and ten foot ceilings. Along one side are stairs, storage, kitchenette, and a toilet room. Apartment was intended for shopkeeper, but could be used as a separate residence, studio or office. It has an open plan in front with living, dining and kitchen. A bedroom, or private office, and bath are located behind. Design could be ideal for live/work housing.
