Cottage vs. American Small House

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Welcome back readers.  I really feel like I need to take a step back and talk about the type/style of this little house.  When I first laid eyes on it I wasn't sure what it was... a Cottage?  Cape Cod? or just a  small little house.  Time for some research!
With the help of some friends over at Hometalk, I found a presentation from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Historic Preservation Division.  You can see it here. 

 Here's what I learned.  This house is considered an American Small House, a historic house that has been identified in Georgia and other parts of the country.  It originated from the sense that there was a type of house out there that fit between two types of well-known house types:  the bungalow & the ranch.  At the time, it was called many names, some of which were, "Depression-Era" Cottage, "Victory" Cottage, and "War Years" Cottage.  This information was in sync with the year it was built.  
I won't bore you with all of the details, since the presentation is 39 pages long, but here are characteristics that I found important for this type of house:
Compact
One-story
3 to 5 rooms
2 rooms across the front
Hallways are small or non-existent
Front door is centered
Small porches were an option
Capacity for future expansion by going up the attic stairs
All of these things are contained in this house.  There are so many more facts to share about this type of house. If I did, this post would go on forever... Click the link - it's a history lesson! 

So, my friends, our Mid-Century American Small House is a Cottage. So much of it is still original and I'm excited to bring it back to life.  I think this quote says it all:
Have a great week!


Comments

  1. Becky B.October 6, 2014 at 7:35 PM

    LOVE that quote so much!! I'm looking forward to seeing all of your posts with pics of the work you're doing on your beautiful little cottage! If I lived closer, I'd pick up a paint brush and head your way...love me some DIY projects! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karren HallerOctober 7, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    I would love to have a small cottage to transform and look forward to your stories. Have a great day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christina MorleyOctober 8, 2014 at 2:13 AM

    Your little cottage on Apple Street is so cute and cute name too. I also like your dining room make-over. Looking forward to more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 22, 2014 at 1:32 PM

      Thank you, Christina! There are many more makeovers, trust me! I can't wait to hear what you think of them!

      Delete
  4. B is 4October 8, 2014 at 7:09 PM

    Wow, such interesting facts! I've always loved the idea of living in a cottage! Thanks for sharing this and looking forward to hearing more about it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 22, 2014 at 10:12 AM

    Thanks for sharing the historical background. So interesting. Going to check out more of your posts. Your house is perfect for someone who is trying to cut back on DIY activities. But i hope you have a shed for the stash! LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 22, 2014 at 1:33 PM

      Thanks Marje! I just love learning about the history of a house, there are so many great stories to be told. Shed? no shed...this might be a problem! LOL

      Delete
  6. AnonymousOctober 22, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Wow, that sounds like the little rent house I lived in for 4 years. I really liked it. Of course, it was also a happy time in my life. Two rooms across the front - check! 3-5 rooms - check! Small hallway - check! Front door centered - check! I don't know if it could've been expanded, it probably would've needed to be shored up to do so. After we moved out, they hauled it away. (sniff)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 22, 2014 at 1:34 PM

      They hauled it away??? What a shame! I hope you'll stop back and live vicariously through this one!

      Delete
  7. UnknownNovember 6, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    Loved visiting your site... Will be checking in periodically to see what projects are taking place. So happy I was a part of your new adventure! Keep in touch :)

    ReplyDelete

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