Cottagecore is a celebration of the simple, slower-paced life of the countryside. It’s a return to a simpler way of living, inspired by the romanticized idea of traditional rural life. The term “cottagecore” comes from the word “cottage,” which refers to a small, quaint rural dwelling, often with a thatched roof and a garden.
In many ways, cottagecore can be seen as a reaction to our fast-paced, modern world. It’s a way of slowing down and embracing a more mindful, sustainable way of living. For many people, it’s a way of finding joy in the small things and reconnecting with nature. This lifestyle trend is all about creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. It often incorporates elements of vintage and rustic decor, such as floral patterns, lace, and natural materials like wood and stone. Alongside a slow-paced lifestyle which includes appreciating the British countryside.
People who embrace the cottage-core lifestyle often enjoy activities such as gardening, baking, and crafting. They might keep a vegetable garden or tend to a flock of chickens, and they might spend their evenings knitting or sewing. Overall, the cottage-core lifestyle is about creating a peaceful, idyllic world that feels like a haven from the stresses of modern life. Whether you’re looking to completely embrace this lifestyle or simply incorporate a few elements into your daily routine, there’s no denying that the cottage-core trend has captured the hearts of many.
If you want to live out the idyllic, countryside fantasy, here are 5 places that encourage disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. Walk through the grass with bare feet, eat local, homegrown food and embrace the rural lifestyle.
1. Monkton Wyld Court, Dorset
This Victorian-Gothic mansion is located in Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with easy access to the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis, and the Wessex and Monarch’s Way long-distance footpaths. Monkton Wyld Court is a charity promoting ways of living sustainably. Volunteers live communally and heat and cook using wood. Fresh water comes from wells and is UV treated; the volunteers use compost loos. Fruit and vegetables are grown in the organic garden; and three Jersey cows provide all the milk, yoghurt and cheese.
2. Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse, Surrey
Puttenham Bunkhouse in Surrey is a one-of-a-kind eco-project where visitors are encouraged to arrive on foot or bike. Its a haven for walkers and cyclists. The Barn has many sustainable features including solar panels and rainwater collection for flushing toilets. No cars are allowed on site but there is limited street parking near to the premises. Excellent cycle shed.
3. Chartners Farm off the Grid
Hidden away in the heart of Harwood Forest, 20 miles north west of Morpeth, Chartners Farm is well and truly off the grid. It’s a five mile drive along forest tracks from the nearest road. All electricity is generated by a wind turbine and solar panels, while a huge log burner heats the radiators and keeps the whole hostel cosy (even on the coldest of days). There’s a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a lovely sitting room/diner. Outside you’ll find a BBQ area with plenty of seating, ideal for watching the wildlife and catching the evening sun Chartners is perfect place to escape the rat race, unwind and recharge. With no Wifi, no television and an intermittent phone signal, you can really switch off for a few days and make your own entertainment.
4. Old Brooder Bunkhouse
The Old Brooder bunkhouse is situated down a long drive on our environmentally-friendly working farm in rural Suffolk. The bunkhouse is surrounded by ancient wildflower meadows, ponds, hedged countryside, ancient listed barns and Milden Hall farmhouse. he bunkhouse is perfect for friends, walkers, cyclists, scouts, school or church groups, and civilised hens to get together, BBQ on a summer evening, play croquet, badminton, ping-pong,table football, rounders, football – and beyond explore the tracks and enjoy the wildlife around our lovely farm.
5. Gearrannan Village Hostel and Bunkhouse
Part of the Gearrannan Black House Village, The Gearrannan Hostel was ‘Taigh Dhonnchaidh’ (Duncan’s House) with its solid drystone walls and thatched roof. The perfect base for visitors to enjoy the many and varied local attractions from surfing at the local stunning beaches to country walks, archaeology, cycling, wildlife and more.