Emily Roberts - Author of Life in the Cottage

Hi, I'm Emily Roberts

Writer | Cottage Enthusiast | Simple Living Advocate

Twelve years ago, I made a decision that would change my life forever. After spending a decade climbing the corporate ladder in London, I realized that the promotion I'd been chasing for years wouldn't bring me the happiness I was seeking. The long commutes, the endless meetings, and the constant pressure had taken their toll.

One rainy autumn weekend, I found myself exploring the English countryside with a friend who owned a small cottage in the Cotswolds. As I walked through the village, breathed in the crisp air, and watched the sun set over rolling hills, something clicked. This was the life I'd been dreaming of without even knowing it.

Within six months, I had sold my city apartment, quit my corporate job, and purchased a charming 200-year-old stone cottage in a village of just 300 people. The transition wasn't easy—there were countless lessons to learn about rural living, property maintenance, and finding my place in a tight-knit community. But every challenge was worth it.

Life in the Cottage was born from my desire to share everything I was learning on this journey. Whether you're considering making the leap to countryside living, already own a cottage, or simply dream of a simpler life, I hope my experiences can guide and inspire you.

My Cottage Story

The journey from city to countryside

The Decision to Leave City Life

Making the decision to leave London wasn't simple. I had built my career over twelve years, earned a comfortable salary, and developed a social circle that had become my second family. But underneath the surface success, I felt unfulfilled.

The turning point came during a particularly brutal winter. I was spending two hours each way commuting to work, eating ready meals at my desk, and watching my health decline. One evening, sitting alone in my flat watching the rain stream down the windows, I asked myself: "What am I working for?"

The answer came clearly: I was working to afford a lifestyle that I never had time to enjoy. I wasn't living; I was merely surviving between work engagements.

Finding My Cottage

Property hunting in the countryside was a completely different experience from buying in the city. Instead of competitive bidding wars and rapid decisions, I found myself with time to explore, evaluate, and truly consider each property.

My cottage, which I call Willowbrook, was originally built in 1820. It had been empty for two years before I purchased it, and it needed significant work. The roof leaked in three places, the heating system was original from the 1970s, and the garden had become a wilderness of overgrown hedges and collapsed stone walls.

To many, it would have seemed like a money pit. To me, it was a blank canvas full of possibilities.

The First Year: Learning Curves

Nothing prepares you for the learning curve of cottage ownership. In my first year alone, I dealt with a burst pipe in January, discovered a nest of wasps in the attic, and learned that the "small" garden actually spanned nearly half an acre.

But I also experienced moments of pure magic. Watching my first sunrise from the kitchen window, growing my first vegetables, and being welcomed into the village community by neighbors who brought over fresh eggs and homemade preserves.

Each challenge taught me something valuable, and each triumph gave me confidence that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

About This Blog

Life in the Cottage is my personal journal and resource for cottage living. Through this blog, I share:

  • Practical guides for cottage maintenance and improvement
  • Garden planning and landscaping ideas
  • Interior design inspiration for small spaces
  • Simple living tips and philosophy
  • Country recipes and kitchen garden ideas
  • Nature exploration and wildlife gardening

Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about cottage living, want to share your own story, or just want to say hello.

Get in Touch

My Philosophy

"Cottage living isn't about perfection—it's about presence. It's waking up to birdsong instead of traffic, growing your own vegetables, and finding joy in the simple rituals of daily life. It's learning to measure success not by career achievements, but by the quality of your mornings and the peace of your evenings."

— Emily Roberts