Cabins and Cottages
There are different types of buildings and each has its own unique characteristics. This article focuses on the differences between cottages and cabins.
The major difference between a cabin and a cottage is construction materials. A cabin is typically made of logs or timbers, while a cottage has walls constructed from various types of masonry. For example, cottages are made with stone, brick or stucco.
What Are Some Examples Of Cabins?
Some examples of cabins include hunting lodges. Hunting lodges are large two-story structures (unlike a ranch) containing more luxurious amenities such as inglenook fireplaces, kitchens and bedrooms for guests.
Other examples of cabins include houses by the sea, hut villages used by shepherds, safari lodges that house tourists, summer homes near beaches or perhaps mountain ski resorts and farmhouses. Some types of university residences may also be considered cabins.
What Are Some Examples Of Cottages?
Some examples of cottages include summer residences in America and charming old English cottages. Summer residences are seasonal homes, typically built-in to warmer climates to accommodate the needs of residents who live abroad. English cottages are small houses located in rural areas, often with thatched roofs and plastered exteriors.
Other examples of cottages in other parts of the world include houses in gated communities, homes near beaches or mountain ski resorts, farmhouses and also university residences.
Can A Cabin Be A Cottage?
No, a cabin cannot be a cottage. But, there are similarities between the two buildings. Here are the top similarities between a cottage and a cabin in the American sense of the word:
- Cottages and cabins rely on alternative energy to power air conditioners, lighting systems, etc.
- In cold climates, cabins and cottages often use natural resources such as wood or straw to produce warmth for residents during the winter months.
- Cottages and cabins are typically built away from cities, where residents have privacy from neighbours who live nearby. Thus, they are typically surrounded by trees, shrubs, flowers, and other natural barriers that provide residents with personal space.
- Both structures have porches. A cabin’s back porch is typically covered while a cottage’s back porch provides outdoor living space.
- Both structures have lawns. A cabin’s lawn has a gravel base while a cottage’s lawn contains grass.
How to Find the Right Cottage for You
If you’re in the market for a cottage (in the non-British sense), but aren’t sure which one is the right choice for you, here are some top tips on how to find the best cottage:
Consider Your Location
If you live in a warmer climate such as Florida or Arizona, cottages with shaded porches and lawns can provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy sunny weather during the day.
On the other hand, if you’re living in a colder climate such as Canada or Alaska, cottages with spacious porches and large windows that allow natural light inside will help keep residents warm through long winters.
Determine The Number Of Bathrooms You Need
Cottages typically have one bathroom, but some may have two or three bathrooms if they are larger in size.
Decide Whether You Wish To Rent Your Cottage Out When You’re Away
Some cottages come with rental income-generating potential for homeowners who need additional income.
How to Find the Right Cabin for You
Similarly, if you’re in the market for a cabin, but aren’t sure of which one is the right choice for you, here are some tips on how to find the best cabin:
Consider Your Location
If you live in an area where winter conditions require heated homes, cabins with central heating may be right for you. If you live in a warmer climate, cabins that rely on alternative energy sources may be right for you.
Decide Whether You Wish To Rent Your Cabin Out When You’re Away
If so, determine if local zoning ordinances permit rental properties by learning more about camping on public lands and national parks.
Decide How Frequently You Will Use The Cabin
Vacation cabins are typically smaller than primary homes and primarily consist of one or two bedrooms with limited bathroom facilities.
This type of property also lacks living room space and kitchen appliances.
Primary residences, however, come in all different shapes and sizes depending on their owners’ needs. Some primary residences have expansive kitchens complete with high-end appliances to accommodate large dinner parties while others may include office spaces for homeowners who work out of their homes while they’re away on vacation.
Which is Bigger a Cottage or Cabin?
it’s difficult to say which is definitively bigger between a cottage and cabin. However, generally speaking, a cottage is often considered to be a larger and more luxurious dwelling than a cabin.
Cottages often feature multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, and other amenities. They’re often used as vacation homes or rental properties, and can range in size from a few hundred square feet to several thousand square feet.
Cabins often have a single room or a few small rooms, and may not have running water or electricity. They are often used for camping or hunting trips, and are typically smaller than cottages.
Ultimately, the size of a cottage or cabin depends on a variety of factors, including its location, intended use, and the preferences of the builder or owner.
What is the Difference Between a Cabin and a Cottage?
Cabins vs cottages are both homes built to support a simpler life away from businesses, restaurants, traffic, etc. Although the two dwellings share many similarities such as reliance on alternative energy sources or natural resources to heat their homes, they have distinct differences between them, particularly, the building materials.
