We usually visit homes in person to take photos with our own Canon, but we couldn’t resist a virtual house tour of our friend Liz’s 200-year-old English cottage. Charming? Absolutely. Cozy? Without a doubt. This cottage is full of character, and Liz isn’t afraid to mix playful elements—a lime-green lamp here, chocolate-colored walls with handwritten text there. Enjoy the tour.
Liz, her partner and their two cats have lived in the cottage for two years, and she began decorating from the first day. The house has a quirky, storybook quality—think the cozy charm of Kate Winslet’s home in The Holiday. When friends saw that movie, many called to exclaim, “Kate lives in your house.”
Here’s the kitchen: simple and sweet. The solid oak countertops and the original Belfast sink remain beautiful and functional. Liz’s orange Le Creuset kettle is a cheerful focal point (and useful for an occasional cup of tea), while the large wall clock from Habitat adds a timeless touch.
From the kitchen you can look into the living area with its fireplace. The fireplace used to be filled with real logs but now features a clever screen made from firewood offcuts that conceals the TV and DVD player. It reads like stacked wood at first glance, but it’s a smart, decorative solution that hides modern technology while preserving the rustic feel.
We love the small, welcoming living space Liz created. A few comfy chairs and one standout retro green lamp from Habitat are all it takes to make a relaxed, inviting corner where guests can unwind.
At one time this room served as a formal dining room. The table is crafted from reclaimed planks and paired with vintage school chairs, a combination that feels both practical and full of history.
The bedroom is particularly lovely, complete with a small fireplace and warm, enveloping color choices. Liz used Farrow & Ball paints—“String” and “Pelt”—and applied a wall decal in stages to add personality and visual interest. The darker wall color makes the room feel snug and intimate.
That concludes our virtual stroll through Liz’s quaint and soulful cottage. Thanks to Liz for welcoming us into her home and sharing the details that make it unique. Next time we raise a cup of tea, it will be in her honor.