7 reasons to love living in a country cottage

Beams, flagstone flooring and butler sinks. No wonder we're a nation swooning over the dream country cottage...

1. It's cosy

Not just an adjective used by dodgy estate agents the country over, 'cosy' sums up cottage living very nicely indeed.
Cottage living rooms invite snuggly evenings in front of the fire with a jolly good book (or box set!).

2. Original features

From flagstone floors to exposed brick and fancy fireplaces, classic cottages are bursting with original features. They might not be obvious at first, and will need a bit of TLC, but once restored they become a real focal point of your home (rather than just something to point furniture at).

3. The classic English country garden

A glorious garden is essential for country living. Wild flowers, twisty paths and comfy benches all housed inside a classic white picket fence. Dreamy.

4. A thatched roof

The dream look for a country pad, there really is something truly magical about a thatched roof on a cottage - like it's been lifted straight off a rural watercolour print. Bliss.

5. A classic country kitchen

None of this 'modern take' rubbish - a cottage kitchen calls for classic Shaker style cabinetry, wooden worktops with butler sinks and a pantry thrown in to boot. For the ultimate cottage feel, add an Aga with aging Labrador cuddled up in front of it.

6. Muddy paws look right at home

You can absolutely get away with cleaning a cottage less than a modern new build. Paw prints pottering over the kitchen floor and hairs surgically attached to tartan sofa blankets are all part of the look. No? Just us? Well, that's embarrassing...

7. You have privacy

The classic country abode is more likely to be a detached property - which means privacy and peace and quiet. Win, win, country lovers!

Every country kitchen needs the perfect pantry! Here's how to get the look.

By Joanne O'Hara