You need trim , if you want country cottage go with that style trim. On the eaves, around the windows and the doors. Also replace the front door it doesn't say cottage . Then you need paint, quick fast and in a hurry. Something bright and alive. If you want country cottage think greens, blues, yellows, or even pinks. A porch would be a great addition not just from the style aspect by for function. Also some porch lights, I would look for something in a carriage light style. Who doesn't want an outdoor space? Lastly I think it goes without saying that you will need to garden. Obviously after everything else is done. Have fun with it you're going to have a great little jewel when you're done.

Oh yes, I agree. A new roof on the entrance makes a world of difference. Suddenly it doesn't look like an add-on box.

Thank you all very much for you suggestions and feedback. Some really useful and exciting looking ideas in there! I really like the suggestion of the new roof on the entrance, and definitely trimming everywhere. As I am not entirely sure that country cottage is the way to go (but it seems the most fitting), would anyone have any thoughts on how this place could be look modern/ contemporary? There is a huge garden to the left of the house which will be landscaped, and a drive to the left also. As for door/ windows and colour I am pretty stumped. Quite like the idea of stonework or cladding though...

It is a cottage. Treat it as one, I say. Which is not to say you have to go terribly cutesy. I'm hesitant to comment on stone cladding because it's not something that is done much where I live -- walls are usually either stone walls or not. But it could be beautiful with that shape of house if you can get one that doesn't look as though it's glued on. It's a really big decision, so I think you need to work on that before you bother with windows and door, as their colour, if you did use stone, would depend on the stone you use. I'd go with grey-brown, if I were looking, for the stone.

I'm thinking of a wall taken from the (main) wall of the house off to the left -- obviously leaving an open area for the driveway if that's where it is. It will provide a certain solidity to the facade and give you lots of lovely privacy for the garden behind it. A wall, or possibly a trellis wall covered in climbing plants. Something like this could give you privacy when the plants grow, without being forbidding.

http://www.colonialfences.com/index.php/products/wood_fence/custom_specialties

Non-cutesy cottage. Although if it were mine, I'd add some flowers.

http://www.astonecottage.com/

PS I think choosing your door when you get there will be major fun. It's beautifully positioned to be a mini showpiece.

This project has comments about stone and stone veneers you might want to read

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/needham-studio-dphj06-traditional-exterior-boston-phvw-vp~106310[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/needham-studio-dphj06-traditional-exterior-boston-phvw-vp~106310)

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[https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-gatehouse-rustic-exterior-minneapolis-phvw-vp~451471[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-gatehouse-rustic-exterior-minneapolis-phvw-vp~451471)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-homes-farmhouse-exterior-phvw-vp~1691895[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/custom-homes-farmhouse-exterior-phvw-vp~1691895)

https://www.houzz.com/photos/ridgeview-traditional-exterior-minneapolis-phvw-vp~1604301

https://www.houzz.com/photos/lochley-narrow-lakefront-lot-beach-style-exterior-grand-rapids-phvw-vp~19524431

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Since you said you will consider anything I must say it. The "entrance" is an eyesore. I would remove it. Putting a roof on will do little to help.

I don't know about removing it depending one where you live and climate. Someone clearly build it for a reason. I do like Rina' idea of making it look deliberate by changing the roof line. You don't give the size of the house but it doesn't look that big. I would also suggest a porch that spans the entire front. A pergola or awning over it like others have said. However you could go a step further wrapping the porch around at least one side. It give you some lovely outdoor space.

Instead of country cottage, how about English cottage? A bit more urban, a poor-man's tudor. With the peaked roofline and stucco exterior it could work. And yes, a different front door. It's going to be great.

Thanks, Rollinggirl -- the idea was Csch's; I just drew it in. I still like it.

Why not put a pergola "roof" over your little entry? It could be in a contemporary style and might look really interesting and could coordinate well with the garden..

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