What is it that makes a cottage feel special?

Whilst on holiday in Dorset last week and enjoying life on the other side of holiday letting for a change, I was wandering around the beautiful town where we were staying when I stumbled across a copy of 'Life Inside a Cottage' by Skye McAlpine.

Now, I appreciate that returning from holiday with yet another book for the cottage library may not come as a huge surprise to those who know me...

It's one of those books that's a joy to dip in and out of. Not too heavy, just page after page of beautiful cottage interiors and thoughtful observations about the simple pleasures of home.

One phrase in particular resonated with me. Kevin McCloud has described cottage living as "living with just enough", and that perfectly sums up what we've always tried to create at The Green.

We've never wanted it to feel overly styled or too perfect. Instead, we've filled it with things that have meaning: recycled and upcycled furniture, carefully chosen accessories, books to browse, and pictures on the walls that reflect Lastingham and the surrounding area. We hope it feels like a real home rather than a show home.

It's often the simplest things that make a cottage special, and this lovely book is a wonderful reminder of that.

You'll now find it on the shelves at The Green, ready for you to enjoy when you next visit.

Although, at this rate, I may need to add another shelf to our library nook...