Cotswold Cottage The smallest of the English styles, the Cotswold, is sometimes described as an Ann Hathaway or Hansel and Gretel Cottage. It is a ground-hugging, always asymmetrical style with a prominent brick or stone chimney in the front or on the side that appears to be very large in relation to the overall size of the house. The romantic design was very popular throughout the U.S. in the 20's and 30's.