This Charming Cottage Is Straight Out of an Iconic Rom-Com — And You Can Stay in It
Fans of ‘The Holiday’ are about to feel like the main character.
David Cannon
Anyone who's seen Nancy Meyers’ 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday knows the biggest star of that movie just might be Kate Winslet’s character’s Cotswolds cottage. That’s no disrespect to the movie’s high-wattage cast: Winslet and Cameron Diaz costar as Iris and Amanda, two women frustrated with their lives and loves who exchange homes across the Atlantic during the holiday season; Jude Law and Jack Black exude charm as the men with whom they (no spoiler alert needed) find true love.
In the movie, Diaz’s Amanda describes Iris’ adorable Rosehill Cottage as “idyllic.” One look at the two-story home's straight-from-a-storybook stone and wood exterior, snow-covered roof, double chimneys and warm light glowing through the windows and it's easy to see why.
David Cannon
The movie’s interior shots send the cozy vibes into the stratosphere: the shelves full of books (Winslet’s character is a newspaper writer), exposed beams (low enough for Diaz’s character to bump her head on) and stones, crackling fires in the fireplace and shabby-chic furnishings. And the eclectic kitchen with the pretty blue-painted cabinets? The house is the peak of cottagecore, beckoning you to crawl right under the comforter in Iris’ bed, as Amanda does. (Wine from the cute local shop is optional.)
The thing is, as much as they may have wanted to, fans of the film couldn’t really live out their fantasies of living in Iris’ charming cottage. It didn’t exist. While the design was inspired by a real house in the English countryside, the cottage was created for the film by production designer Jon Hutman. The exterior shell was built in a field in Surrey, England; the interior scenes were filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage.
Now, though, someone has built an exact replica of The Holiday cottage — and you can finally stay in it.
David Cannon
Where is the Holiday Cottage and how can you stay in it?
Designer Lucy Small of State and Season Home Design and Supply has created a precise “kitsch circa 2006” replica of Iris’ Cotswolds cottage from The Holiday — right down to the bathtubs and vintage-looking door hinges.
It’s "built exactly per the movie,” a rep for Small tells HGTV, except for one small detail: The house is located not in the English countryside, but rather in Ellijay, Georgia (about an hour from Atlanta). “No [overseas] flight required,” the rep notes.
With bookings now available, The Holiday Cottage promises to provide the experience of stepping right into “your favorite rom com.”
“With its charming stone exterior and picturesque surroundings, this is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat,” the cottage’s booking site says, inviting visitors to “take a seat on the comfortable sofa and enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the stunning views of the countryside and crackling fire.”
David Cannon
What are the features and amenities offered at the Holiday Cottage?
The two-story cottage, which can be rented in its entirety, has two large upstairs bedrooms, each outfitted with a king-size bed and en-suite bathrooms. On the main level, which has a half bath, a sofa bed offers additional sleeping space. In all, the cottage can comfortably accommodate six adults. For children traveling with adults, two pack-and-plays are also available for use.
The property boasts a private, uncovered parking spot with electric car chargers as well as a hot tub that’s usable year-round, an outdoor patio with a fire pit and more than six acres of land to wander through. The house has central heating and air-conditioning, a backup generator, high-speed internet service, a smart lock for self check-in (so you can live in that movie in your head without breaking the spell by having to talk to anyone). The coziness is fully realized with a kettle and a selection of teas, indoor fireplaces and a plethora of pillows and blankets.
In sum, the house blends a “classic look with modern amenities,” according to the booking site, which paints the following inviting picture: “Step inside to find a cozy living room with a fireplace for those chilly nights. Curl up on the plush sofa with a good book and enjoy the warmth of the fire. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the necessary appliances, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal after a day of exploring.”
David Cannon
Where is The Holiday Cottage located?
The quaint cottage is in the North Georgia mountain town of Ellijay, about 15 minutes from downtown. It’s located a little over an hour from Atlanta and about an hour and a half from Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s accessible via paved roads “with no steep inclines,” although its driveway and parking area are gravel.
Ellijay offers visitors access to hiking trails and wineries, river activities and apple picking, with lots of farms to explore.
No smoking, pets or parties are allowed. Alas, a perfect romance with Jude Law is not included.