Difference Between a Cottage and a Small House

If you’re scrolling through holiday rentals, you’ll see "cottage" and "small house" tossed around a lot. They sound similar, but they aren’t exactly the same. Knowing the gap helps you pick the right spot for a family break, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat.

Size and Layout

A cottage usually stays under 1,200 square feet. It’s built to feel cozy, often with a sloping roof, a fireplace, and rooms that flow into each other. Think of a living room that doubles as a dining space, a small kitchen, and one or two bedrooms. The layout is compact, so you spend less time walking around and more time enjoying the view.

A small house can be a bit bigger – up to 1,600 square feet – and it often follows a standard three‑bedroom plan. You’ll find separated rooms, a dedicated hallway, and sometimes an extra bathroom. The design aims for practicality rather than charm, which means you get a bit more privacy but lose some of that snug cottage vibe.

Style, Cost and Lifestyle

Style is where the two split. Cottages love traditional touches: exposed beams, stone walls, garden paths, and a porch that looks out over the sea. They feel like a getaway from the city, even if they sit on a modern plot. Small houses, on the other hand, tend to have a cleaner, more contemporary look – plain walls, simple roofs, and a garden that’s easy to maintain.

Price follows style. Because cottages often come with historic features and a location close to the coast, they can be pricier per night. Small houses usually sit a bit inland or on the outskirts, so they’re a bit cheaper to book. If you’re planning a week‑long stay, the cost difference can add up.Living in a cottage feels like stepping into a story. You might hear the waves, smell the sea air, and enjoy a fire on cooler evenings. A small house feels more like a regular home – you can spread out, have a separate office space, and still enjoy the surroundings without the extra romantic veneer.

For Ocean's Reach Retreats, the distinction matters because we list both types. When you search for a cottage, expect a snug, character‑filled property near the beach. When you look at small houses, expect a bit more room, a modern layout, and often a better price point.

Bottom line: pick a cottage if you want charm, close beach access, and a tight‑knit feel. Choose a small house if you need a bit more space, a modern setup, and a slightly lower cost. Either way, Croyde’s coastline is right there, and both options give you a great base to explore the surf, the cliffs, and the local pubs.

Ready to book? Use our filter tools on the site to toggle between "cottage" and "small house" and see photos, prices, and guest reviews. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re getting before you click ‘reserve’.