THE STONE COTTAGE...From Scottish Highlands To Tuscan Hills!
The stone cottage designs featured here are a veritable feast for the eyes . . . . . . .
. . . Scattered from the highlands of Scotland to the hills of Tuscany, they draw us in like a butterfly to the sweet
nectar of a fragrant flower!
The stone cottage has had an hypnotic hold on many of us since the first time we laid eyes on one. Despite their
centuries' old legacy, they continue to captivate us with their mystery. Allure us with their timeless appeal.
Mesmerize us with their charm. And entice us with their enchantment!
PART 1 OF A 2 PART JOURNEY
The first part of our journey explores some fascinating examples from the British Isles, where, in my opinion, the
most enchanting cottages in the world can be found. Our journey continues through the countryside and hamlets of France
and culminates in the romantic and fertile hills of Tus- cany -- widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian
Renaissance and home to some of the most brilliant minds in the history of arts and sci- ence, including Michelangelo and
Leonardo da Vinci!
Let The Journey Begin!
Our journey begins in the magnificent splendour of the Scottish Highlands, pictured at left. It's natural beauty has
provided a majestic backdrop for stone cottages for centuries. The lovely stone cottage pictured below, though abandoned
and partially overgrown with vegetation, is a fitting addition to this beautiful landscape. All it needs is a caring
owner to give it some TLC and bring it back to the warm and cozy status as a home or special getaway it undoubtedly once
"enjoyed."
Moving to the lowlands of Scotland, near Edinburgh, brings us to the strik- ing Victorian-era jewel in the two
images that follow. Fortunately, this architectural gem has been well maintained over the years -- complete with
beautifully cultivated cottage gardens.
Crossing the border into England and heading south brings us to the pair of
Storybook Style
cottages pictured below. Oozing with nostalgic charm, they embody the ideal of a romantic English cottage!
The picturesque stone dwellings that follow are typical of those found throughout the Cotswolds in the hills of
west-central England. Looking like something from a children's story book, these enchanting little cottages are
protected from the elements by stone roofing tiles, as well as stone walls.
Crossing the English Channel brings us to coastal Brittany, in northwestern France. The aptly named "Cottage Between
The Rocks" is pictured below.
Moving cross country in a southeasterly direction brings us to the en- chanting little dwelling that follows. Located
in the Auvergne region of France, it features a steeply pitched
hip roof.
Heading further south/southeast thru the French countryside brings us to the quaint stone cottages shown here.
Anchoring the design pictured at right is a romantic stone tower with a red tile roof.
Adding to the romance of the cottage design that follows is its pastoral set- ting, including a picturesque stone arch
bridge leading to it.
Continuing our journey to the south- east of France brings us to the French/Italian border. Crossing the Italian Alps
and proceeding in a southeasterly direction brings us to the rolling hills of Tuscany, pictured at right.
Dotting the gorgeous Tuscan land- scape and numerous vineyards are beautiful stone cottages -- some of which are
centuries old. A profusion of wisteria blooms frames the lovely cottage pictured below.
And finally, the spectacular image that follows features a lovely Tuscan cottage in a lush field of fragrant lavender.
Though the little cottage appears to be abandoned, it would make a perfect retreat or weekend getaway!
This concludes Part 1 of our journey. For the second part, we will "cross the pond" to North America to view the
profound influence European de- sign has had on American cottage architecture.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO CONTINUE TO PART 2 OF OUR JOURNEY:
