In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cosy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location. Vintage cottage houses are far more affordable than standard-size houses. Most owners of vintage cottage homes live mortgage-free. The lower building costs allow many people to pay cash up front, but mortgages are tougher to get for these homes because they are unique and hard to compare with other properties. Plus, they would require smaller loans, which banks are less inclined to give right now. Monthly costs — such as for heating, cooling and lighting — are relatively low. And your environmental footprint will be equivalent to a toddler’s flip-flop.