Vintage David Winter Hartford Court Cottage - Retired Hand-Painted Collectible House

 David Winter’s Hartford Court cottage (1983) is a beautifully detailed miniature sculpture that captures the rustic elegance of a traditional English country manor. With its tall brick chimneys, half-timbered walls, and complex roofline, this hand-painted collectible brings the romance of historic architecture to life in a refined, storybook form.

• Finish: Hand-painted
• Dimensions (H x W x L): Approx. 6" x 5" x 3.5"
• Original Box Included: No
• Imperfections: None (mint condition)
• Retired: Yes (Retired in 1992)

Background & Inspiration

Hartford Court reflects the charm and quiet dignity of England’s historic manor homes. Inspired by Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, this cottage evokes a past where families lived and worked under the same steep rooflines for generations. David Winter’s vision was to celebrate the warmth and nostalgia of village life through miniature sculpture—and Hartford Court embodies that spirit.

The design suggests a well-loved estate nestled into a countryside landscape, complete with mossy roof tiles, ivy-covered walls, and gently weathered stonework. It invites collectors into a world of timeless English tradition, where craftsmanship and coziness meet.

Design & Sculptor

This piece was sculpted by David Winter, a British artist known for his intricate architectural miniatures. Winter’s design for Hartford Court features asymmetrical wings, a central archway, and tall, uniquely shaped chimneys—all modeled after the classic English manor style. The sculptural form captures the uneven charm of old stone and wood buildings, down to the smallest detail.

The piece was hand-cast in Crystacal gypsum and hand-painted by artisans at John Hine Studios in Hampshire, England. Each element—from the half-timbered beams to the lattice windows and tiny staircases—has been rendered with remarkable care and personality, giving Hartford Court both realism and whimsy.

Release & Production History

Hartford Court was released in 1983 as part of David Winter’s Main Collection and remained in production until it was officially retired in 1992. During its nearly decade-long run, it was widely collected and featured in many David Winter village scenes as a prominent centerpiece.

Originally sold with a Certificate of Authenticity and story card, this particular piece no longer includes its original packaging but remains in mint condition, with all architectural and painted details intact.

Craftsmanship & Notable Details

Materials & Finish
The cottage is made of Crystacal, a fine British gypsum plaster chosen for its ability to preserve delicate sculptural details. After casting, each piece was individually hand-painted, creating subtle variations in tone and texture that make every cottage one of a kind.

Architectural Features

• Half-timbered upper walls painted in rich brown against cream plaster.
• Three tall brick chimneys, each with unique detailing.
• Asymmetrical rooflines and gables that create a layered, dynamic silhouette.
• Lead-paned windows, hand-painted to suggest warm light within.
• Stone base with ivy and garden foliage, enhancing the realism.
• A central arched passageway invites the eye to imagine what lies beyond.

Despite its small footprint, the piece offers depth and character from every angle—making it a striking addition to any shelf or curio cabinet.

Collectibility Notes

As a retired piece from the early period of the David Winter collection, Hartford Court holds strong appeal among collectors. While it was widely distributed during the 1980s, mint-condition examples without flaws—but missing the original box—typically resell in the $20–$40 USD range on secondary markets such as eBay.

Collectors often use Hartford Court as a manor centerpiece around which smaller cottages are arranged. Its size, sculptural complexity, and historical design make it one of the more substantial and visually striking pieces in the original lineup.