Honeymoon Cottage: A Romantic Escape For Newlyweds

what is a honeymoon cottage

The Honeymoon Cottage is a novel by Lori Foster, which follows the story of Yardley, a wedding planner in Cemetery, Indiana, who is focused on delivering everyone's happy ending but her own. The novel is a women's fiction/romance and is the first book in the Cemetery, Indiana series. The term 'honeymoon cottage' is also used to refer to a one-bedroom cottage designed by famous architect Wallace Neff, which was portable, factory-built, and made with high-quality materials. In fiction, it is also the name of the royal home of Queen Aurora, King Phillip, and their daughter Princess Audrey, located in South Riding, Auroria in Auradon.

shunbridal

History of the Honeymoon Cottage

The term "honeymoon cottage" can refer to a few different things.

The Honeymoon Cottage by Wallace Neff

The "Honeymoon Cottage" is the name of an architectural design by Wallace Neff, a renowned architect of mansions for the very rich. In the midst of the Great Depression, Neff turned his attention to creating affordable housing for low-income buyers through mass production. The Honeymoon Cottage was a one-bedroom cottage that incorporated high-quality materials and elegant design at a competitive price of $2,750. Despite its popularity among the press and public, it seems that the cottage ultimately flopped, as it was still too expensive for many potential buyers. Today, the only extant example of the Honeymoon Cottage can be found at 1330 Rimpau Boulevard.

The Honeymoon Cottage in Popular Culture

The term "honeymoon cottage" has also been used in popular culture to describe a royal castle in the "Descendants" franchise and a novel by Lori Foster. In the "Descendants" universe, the Honeymoon Cottage is described as a medium-sized castle located in South Riding, Auroria, and serves as the home of Queen Aurora, King Phillip, and their daughter, Princess Audrey. In Lori Foster's novel "The Honeymoon Cottage," the term refers to a charming cottage in the fictional town of Cemetery, Indiana, where the story's protagonist, a wedding planner named Yardley, falls in love with Travis Long. The novel explores themes of romance, friendship, and family.

Modern Usage of the Term

In modern usage, the term "honeymoon cottage" can also be used to describe a small, romantic cottage suitable for newlyweds and their growing families. These cottages are often designed with a mix of stone, brick, and half-timber, and may include features such as a porte-cochere, a large rear porch, and an optional garage.

Courtyard Marriott: A Honeymoon Haven?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Features of the cottage

A honeymoon cottage is a type of small, charming cottage intended for newlyweds and their growing families. The features of a honeymoon cottage can vary, but here are some characteristics that are often associated with this type of cottage:

  • Size and Space: Honeymoon cottages are typically designed to be compact and cosy, with enough space for a newly married couple and their future family. They may have one or multiple bedrooms, with the option to finish and customise the attic space to create additional bedrooms.
  • Exterior Design: The exterior of a honeymoon cottage often exudes charm and a playful mix of materials, such as stone, brick, and half-timber, giving it a Tudor-style aesthetic.
  • Amenities: These cottages may include features such as a porte-cochere (a covered porch or entrance large enough for vehicles to pass through), an optional garage, and a large rear porch or outdoor space for enjoying the surrounding nature.
  • Interior Details: Inside, a honeymoon cottage might offer high ceilings, such as a coffered ceiling in the living room, adding a sense of grandeur to the space. The main floor might also feature a master bedroom, providing convenience and comfort for the couple.
  • Location: Honeymoon cottages are often envisioned as being situated in picturesque locations, such as near forests, rose gardens, or charming castles. They evoke a sense of seclusion and privacy for the newlyweds while still being accessible.
  • Price: Historically, honeymoon cottages were designed with affordability in mind, offering a more cost-effective option for couples without compromising on charm and quality.

Honeymoon cottages are designed to be inviting and romantic, providing a special space for couples to begin their married lives together.

shunbridal

Intended buyers

If you are a newlywed couple or are planning to get married and are looking for a new home, a honeymoon cottage could be the perfect option for you.

A honeymoon cottage is a type of small, charming home, often with a mix of stone, brick, and half-timber on the exterior. They typically have between 3-5 bedrooms, with additional space in the attic that can be converted into more bedrooms if needed. The interior of a honeymoon cottage is just as delightful as the exterior, with features such as a coffered ceiling in the living room, a large rear porch, and a loft.

Honeymoon cottages were originally designed by architect Wallace Neff with the intention of bringing a little luxury to the masses. Neff, who was known for designing mansions for the rich, wanted to create quality housing that was affordable for low-income buyers. While the honeymoon cottage was considered a noble effort, it ultimately failed to gain traction and did not sell well.

Despite this, the idea of a honeymoon cottage remains appealing, especially for those looking for a unique and romantic home to start their married life. If you are looking for a cozy and charming home that offers a mix of luxury and affordability, a honeymoon cottage could be the perfect choice for you and your soon-to-be-growing family.

In addition to the physical structure of the home, you may also be interested in the book "The Honeymoon Cottage" by Lori Foster, which adds to the allure of the idea. This romantic novel is filled with quirky characters, a sweet love story, and a focus on hopes, dreams, and growing as a human being. It is a lighthearted and fun read that will leave you smiling and dreaming of your own honeymoon cottage.

shunbridal

Critical reception

The term "honeymoon cottage" may refer to a few different things and has received varied critical receptions over time.

Wallace Neff's Honeymoon Cottage

One instance of the term pertains to Wallace Neff's Honeymoon Cottage, a noble failure by the architect to bring a little luxury to the masses. Honeymoon Cottage was a one-bedroom cottage that was a marvel to behold from without and within. It was a lilliputian version of one of the famous architect's elegant mansions in both style and materials. Despite its grandeur, the cottage was priced well below the national average for a house at the time, making it a potential winner in the eyes of the press. However, it ultimately proved too expensive for its target market, and while everyone seemed to admire it, no one appears to have purchased one.

Honeymoon Cottage in Literature

The term "honeymoon cottage" also appears in literature, notably in Lori Foster's novel, "The Honeymoon Cottage," which is the first book in the Cemetery, Indiana series. The novel has received positive reviews from readers, who have praised its lighthearted tone, sweet romance, quirky characters, and entertaining storylines. It has been described as a "top-notch addition" to Foster's body of work and a "satisfying page-turner" that will leave readers smiling and happy. The novel's characters, including the protagonist Yardley, a wedding planner in Cemetery, Indiana, have been well-received, with readers enjoying their depth and emotional involvement in their stories.

Honeymoon Cottage in Film

The term "honeymoon cottage" is also associated with a royal home in the Descendants franchise. In the film, the Honeymoon Cottage is described as a castle located in South Riding, Auroria, and serves as the residence of Queen Aurora, King Phillip, and their daughter, Princess Audrey. It is described as being located near a forest, with rose gardens and topiaries in the form of animals nearby.

shunbridal

Similar structures

Honeymoon cottages are often standalone cottages that offer privacy and seclusion for couples on their honeymoon. Cottages with similar structures and offerings can be found at various locations, providing a romantic getaway for couples.

One such example is the Barnsley Resort, a 3,000-acre property at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort offers miles of hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and other activities like archery. The hotel has 39 cottages, ranging from one to seven-bedroom options, providing a mix of privacy and coziness.

For those seeking a coastal vibe, Polperro in Cornwall offers a romantic hot tub cottage with sea views, beamed ceilings, and a handcrafted kitchen. The quaint Cornish fishing village provides a relaxing atmosphere, allowing couples to soak in the stars from the hot tub and explore the village's charm.

If you're looking for a unique stay, The Den in Devon is a luxury treehouse set in the tree canopy of a six-acre estate. It offers a cosy wood burner and a private hot tub, providing a peaceful retreat with easy access to the attractions of Devon.

For nature lovers, the Black Swan in Cullompton, Devon, is an ideal hideaway set in 35 acres of lakes, gardens, and ancient woodland. It offers a lake-side lodge with stunning views, champagne treats, and a private hot tub, providing a perfect blend of town and country experiences.

These similar structures to honeymoon cottages offer a mix of privacy, luxury, and natural surroundings, creating memorable experiences for couples seeking romantic getaways.

Frequently asked questions

A honeymoon cottage is a small, portable cottage designed by architect Wallace Neff. It features a Tudor exterior with a mix of stone, brick, and half-timber. The cottage has 3-5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a large rear porch.

"The Honeymoon Cottage" is a novel by Lori Foster that focuses on the romance between Yardley, a wedding planner, and Travis. It is set in the quirky small town of Cemetery, Indiana. The book is described as a sweet, lighthearted, and fun read with quirky characters and a strong focus on friendship.

Yes, in the "Descendants" series, the Honeymoon Cottage is the royal home of Queen Aurora, King Phillip, and their daughter, Princess Audrey. It is located in South Riding, Auroria, in Auradon, and is described as a medium-sized castle near a forest with rose gardens and topiaries in the form of animals.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment