A real-life fairytale village made up of charming, storybook-style cottages is offering renters the chance to live in a picture-perfect community from as little as £1,300 a month.
The colourful cottages look like something straight out of a children’s book.
And that’s exactly where the inspiration came from.
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Developer Bruno Schickel designed the homes after being inspired by the illustrations in Miss Rumphius, a classic children’s story.
His first project, Boiceville Cottages, launched in 1996 and has since grown into a thriving community of around 140 tiny houses.

Tucked away in upstate New York, the village features shared green spaces and even two dog parks, helping to create a close-knit neighbourhood feel.
Since then, similar communities have popped up across the region.
La Bourgade on Seneca, located on a hillside overlooking Seneca Lake, offers stunning views and sits close to wineries, distilleries and local attractions.

The cottages here come fully equipped with modern features including stainless steel appliances, granite worktops, and even washer-dryers – all packed into cleverly designed small spaces.
Large bay windows give residents sweeping lake views, with sunsets described as a standout feature.

The development also includes a shared “Meeting House”, where residents can access a gym, social spaces and communal facilities.
With around 40 homes, it offers a more intimate community compared to its larger sister site.
The other development, Freeville Cottages, takes inspiration from the town’s railway history, with homes designed to resemble traditional train stations.

Located just minutes from Cornell University and Ithaca, it combines peaceful living with easy access to nearby towns.
Across all the villages, homes are available on 12-month leases, attracting a mix of residents – from young professionals to retirees.
Residents can rent cottages ranging from around £1,300 to £1,800 ($1,695 to $2,395) a month.
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