10 Small Town Cottages We'd Love to Call Home

By Michelle Darrisaw
Lisa Romerein
Picture this: living in a comfortable, cozy home right smack dab in the middle of a charmingly antiquated small town. At your new homey digs, you can escape the commotion and hubbub of the big city yet your idyllic retreat is not so far away as to miss out on the excitement whenever you feel like indulging. Sounds like quite the paradise, right? Now imagine enjoying the scenic view, old-fashioned splendor, and good ol’ country living from the best vantage point— within a beautiful cottage home. From the seaside communities in Key West to the coastal towns of South Carolina, here’s a sneak peek at some adorable cottages in the South. A couple of these residences are for sale, but most are available to rent. And while features and stature may vary among these 10 dwellings, there are two things they all share: They're inviting and located in Southern towns that can only be described as quaint. So pull up the rocking chair, because these storybook cottages are just waiting to become your new staycation.
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Covington, Louisiana

Photo: Highland Homes

Louisiana is celebrated for its historic plantations and towering homes, but there are some smaller and affordable cottages in the St. Tammany Parish, like this quaint house situated in Terra Bella Village, which could be your new permanent address.

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Beaufort, South Carolina

Photo: Allison Ramsey Architects

Nestled among the live oak trees and friendly palms on Duke Street, sits this two-bedroom, 1 1/2-bathroom home in the heart of Beaufort. The South Bay Cottage’s plans are available for purchase here.

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Atlanta, Georgia

Photo: Houzz

In the charming Grant Park Historic District, there once lied the "Poet's Cottage," which was truly the ugly duckling of the neighborhood. Today, though, with a fresh coat of paint and revamped porch area, this two-bedroom cottage is now singing its swan song.

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Naples, Florida

Photo: Mitzis Collectibles, via Pinterest

The sign under the window box says it all: "live simply." And based on the exterior of this cottage home, we'd also like to add, "live beautifully."

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Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Photo: WayneCMoore.com

Although this remodeled home is now off the market, there are similar listings in this coastal neighborhood that offer just as much curb appeal as this Lowcountry beauty—like the four-bedroom cottage vacation rental next door.

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Pike Road, Alabama

Photo: House Lens

This cheery cottage is the epitome of "Sweet Home Alabama."

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Key West, Florida

Photo: HomeAway Family

In addition to a poolside view, the 1,296-square-foot cottage boasts a renovated porch and brand new furnishings on the inside.

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Fredericksburg, Texas

Photo: Bonterra Building & Design

While this one isn't for sale (or rent as of yet), we couldn't pass up including it strictly for design eye-candy and inspiration. At 1,000 square feet, this beautiful stone cottage—complete with white limestone, red cedar beams throughout, and old European farmhouse details—proves that bigger isn’t always better. The Texas Hills Country guesthouse was partly inspired by Kate Winslet’s English cottage in the film The Holiday, and you can see the German influence Fredericksburg is known for here, too.

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Asheville, North Carolina

Photo: Asheville Cottages

This charming one-bedroom, one-bath cottage rental promises a quiet, peaceful stay. And you’re just minutes away from the activity in Asheville.

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Tybee Island, Georgia

Lisa Romerein

This historic Ebbtide beach cottage sits on the small barrier island, backed by the Atlantic Ocean and sand-covered dunes. Beyond its bright, colorful décor and wood details, the six-bed, four-bath dream home belongs to New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews. Not only can you look forward to a comfortable night’s stay on the beach, but you’ll also be greeted with a warm welcome, in the form of an autographed novel and personal note from Andrews as well.

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