Who would have thought that a cozy country house could be found in the heart of the city? That a house made of bricks resting among lush greens would not only be a haven that countryside dwellers and tourists can enjoy, but something that could also find its rightful spot in a busy, urbanized area?

The lot on which the house now stands used to be an orchard, which turned out to be the perfect setting for a country-theme home. Though the original peg for the house was a very Filipino Vigan home, the final result is a combination of English and Swiss elements. In the end, what the owners ended up with is a quaint cottage that is certainly a labor of love.

(First published in the November 2010 issue of Real Living, Real Homes section as "Cozy in the City;" photos by Miguel Nacianceno; styling by Issa Villar; adapted for use in Female Network)

For more Casual Country homes, check out these galleries:

• Casual Country Style: Paradise Found
• Casual Country Style: Going Native
• Casual Country Style: Dream Casa Revisited