4. Medieval English Cottage

The Medieval English Cottage has at least two gables at the front which usually intersect. One of the gables has a curved line, which I surmise, in ancient days, sagged under the weight of the sodden thatching on the roof.

What to look for (clues)

• The façade contains a small, uncovered porch leading to a round-headed door. Rough-cut stones frequently encircle the door.

• A large chimney, centrally placed, is part of the façade.

• Sets of tall, narrow windows, usually with small, internal diamond or rectangular shapes, are common.

• The main body of the house has steeply pitched side gables.

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• A further name for this style is 'English Vernacular Cottage'.
  

Where to find it

This appealing style emigrated to Canada around 1900 and was most prominent in the first half of the last century. The cottage can be found alone or in clusters in most urban centers in Ontario. These particular homes ‘live’ in Waterloo.