Home sweet cottage: our favorite British-inspired homes
Inspired by the charm of their British counterparts, French cottages offer a very British escape, without ever leaving France. With cosy fireplaces, floral wallpapers, and vintage furnishings, these small homes make it easy to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the surrounding greenery.
Home sweet cottage: our favorite British-inspired homes
Sloping roofs, exposed beams, a fireplace, and charming wallpapers… Originally built in the UK to house farm workers, cottages have since become the ideal retreat for anyone looking to slow down, curl up with a book by the fire, and head out for a walk in the woods.
Staying in a cottage feels like stumbling upon the hideaway you always dreamed of, but with every comfort in place. A cosy bed, a sofa to sink into after a long walk, and a garden made for doing very little at all. And in France, there is something for every taste, from the rolling hills of Auvergne to the villages of Normandy, and from the Loire Valley to the Perche region.
Anneville,
Loops of the Norman Seine
Anneville: the perfect bucolic escape
A thatched cottage by a pond, a sauna set at the end of a jetty, ducks as your neighbours. Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane in this part of Normandy where the Seine meanders gently, Anneville feels like the perfect country retreat, an easy hideaway whenever you want to step away from everyday life. Just 1.5 hours from Paris, it already feels a world apart, surrounded by meadows and three hectares of woodland.
Inside, Anneville blends vintage charm with a sense of understated poetry. Most of the furniture has been carefully sourced, with each piece carrying its own story. “We wanted to offer a subtle nod to the spirit of the place,” the owners explain. “Nautical objects, oars, an old buoy in the stairwell, a model sailboat on the fireplace, and above all, plenty of wood, natural textures, and a feeling of visual calm.”
Through the trees, Anneville comes into view. © Pasquale Maffini
Summer or winter, Anneville is the perfect home to enjoy the countryside. © Pasquale Maffini
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Le Cottage du Lignon
Haute-Loire
The charming pink bedroom at the Cottage du Lignon. © Anne-Clair Ruel
A dream home for panorama lovers
Nestled between forest and river, this renovated chalet cottage in Chambon sur Lignon is an open invitation to slow down. Just a few minutes’ walk from the village, Le Cottage du Lignon offers a timeless escape, accompanied by the gentle murmur of the river and surrounded by fir trees. With complete privacy and no constraints, you can enjoy a south facing terrace, five comfortable bedrooms, and a generous living space with a fully equipped kitchen.
Designed for families, groups of friends, or informal work retreats, the house lends itself just as easily to rest as to shared moments, from hiking and swimming to yoga, barbecues, or long evenings around the table. Here, the only plan is to take your time and reconnect.
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La Maison du Meunier
Dannes, Opale Coast
A cottage that smells of the sea
Between Hardelot and Le Touquet, in the heart of the Opal Coast, La Maison du Meunier is a characterful cottage next to the Moulin Moulin guesthouse. Just a few kilometres from the sea, this former mill keeper’s house welcomes up to four guests in a warm, colourful, and delightfully retro atmosphere.
With two independent suites, a spacious and inviting living room, and a fully equipped kitchen, the house is ideal for stays with friends or family, whether adults or older children. A terrace, fire pit, pétanque court, fresh bread delivered each morning, and housekeeping included all help create a comfortable, carefree holiday.
The vibrant kitchen at La Maison du Meunier. © PAM Studio
Another fully pink bedroom. © PAM Studio
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La Roquerie
Genneville, Normandy
The charming library at La Roquerie.
A touch of England in Normandy
For those who love a four o’clock tea and a pair of woollen socks, La Roquerie offers a French take on the English cottage. Full of charm, tucked into the heart of the countryside, and overlooking the cradle of Impressionism, this nineteenth century half timbered thatched house feels as if it has stepped out of a storybook, blending Norman authenticity with a touch of English elegance.
Inside, the atmosphere is lively and personal, shaped by the owner’s imagination. Classic French style meets British influences, with floral lamps, Louis Philippe mirrors, and porcelain displayed throughout. It is a true cocoon of vintage charm, made for memorable stays.
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