01
When Cottages Beat Townhomes
| Situation | Cottages | Townhomes |
|---|---|---|
| Large or deep lot (10,000 sq ft+) | Strong fit | Possible, less efficient |
| Mature trees to save | Small footprints work around trees | Long buildings are harder to place |
| Buyers want no shared walls | Yes | No |
| Lowest cost per unit | No | Usually yes |
| Neighborhood acceptance | Typically high — reads as small houses | Mixed |
02
Design Principles We Follow
- A real common green — sized and shaped for use, not just leftover space.
- Front porches facing the courtyard; private yards behind.
- Parking clustered in a shared lot or carport at the site edge.
- Single-level or loft plans that suit downsizers and older buyers.
- Shared amenities where they add value: a tool shed, bike storage, a covered gathering area.
03
Owning and Selling Cottages
Cottages can be held as rentals or sold individually through a unit lot subdivision, with the courtyard and parking owned in common by a small association. Covenants are drafted with the plat so buyers understand their share of maintenance.
04
Cottage Housing FAQ
QHow big does the lot need to be?
Most cottage projects start around 10,000 square feet, but each city sets its own minimums and floor-area caps.
QCan cottages work on a sloped lot?
Yes, and sometimes better than one large building, because small footprints step with the grade. Steep slopes still trigger geotechnical review.