Good Neighbourhood for Cottages

Almost as important as the design of the cottage itself is the selection of the site it shall occupy. More often than not, a certain position is available and none other ; but if the best result possible is to be obtained, this preliminary question should receive mature and skilled consideration.

Where To Live
Usually the locality has been settled on the first thought of building,
as perhaps we know the chosen neighbourhood slightly. But it is worth
while making sure that it really does suit our health and temperament.
For what could be more annoying than to find afterwards that the cottage
is in a district that disagrees with the owner? An occasional week-end
in the place when we are told that it is "very bracing" or "relaxing"
is hardly enough especially for those persons whose health is susceptible
to changes of air and soil.

To individuals who are content with their own or each other's society,
or who have a desire to be near friends, to be near the sea or river,
or perhaps a golf-course, the natural beauties and advantages of the
spot itself will not be so important. Nearly always, however, they must
give thought to such considerations as the proximity of the railway
station, shops, a doctor, and a good day school for the children. Again,
the strictness of the local building by-laws has been known to influence
choice ; while even in some sleepy little village the matter of rates
and taxes may give an unpleasant surprise.

The Neighbourhood

The City worker in London intending to travel daily to and from his
business will not care to live more than about five-and-twenty miles
out, on account of both the cost and the time spent in travelling. But
if the cottage is only for use from Saturdays to Mondays, and other
holidays, the distance may often be doubled. The man with offices near
Charing Cross will not choose a neighbourhood on the Midland line, unless
there is some very good reason ; for even with all the tubes and 'buses,
it is still a troublesome matter to get across London. Most decisions
are also affected by the frequency of trains, and the time of the last
one home at night.

Society men with no business claims may prefer a bungalow in the flat
fen country or near the pines in the south, or possibly a cottage on
the sunny slopes of Dartmoor. And if a proud possessor of a motor car,
he can be quite independent of railway services.