What is a cwtch?

OK, we have been helping our customers buy and sell real estate for a long time. We always laugh that just when you think you have seen every situation, you definitely have not.

We grew up in the midwest, and we have worked with customers from all regions of the United States and the entire world which is just one of the cool things we get to experience on a daily basis. Different traditions, different beliefs, different dialects, ways of speaking, meanings of words, and points of view are vastly different based on where you grew up, and what experiences you have had.

Some of the funniest things we have heard that bring smiles to our faces include the time when a customer recently told me she “couldn’t get a lick at a snake!” meaning she did not have enough time to follow up on her on approval. And her Husband who felt “lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon wheel rut” because of it, really made my day. Seriously…I made them both repeat what they said so I could text it to myself. Maybe they will appear in the book I keep threatening to write :) .

Obviously, we deal with decorators and designers often, and although I hear a lot of new terms, I can usually figure out what they are talking about. But I have to tell you that what I heard on Friday was not only new to me, but new to everyone else I asked about it.

There was fairly large sitting area in this beautiful master bedroom in the Esplanade Golf and Country Club, and the buyer’s friend who is also their designer / decorator said “Cwtch”! There was complete silence in the room. Actually, I was the silent one, and they were all completely unfazed. You see, the spelling is cwtch, but it is pronounced cutch (Rhymes with Butch).

OK, I have never hear of this word, but I guess it is a Welsh word and is gaining popularity, especially in the U.S.

Cwtch basically means a hug, to cuddle, or to be cozy. As we talked more about the word, and I asked them to spell it several different times, here is my take on it. I picture cuddling closely in a cozy little nook with a nice, warm fireplace. In Naples, I picture a really awesome outdoor fireplace on the lanai (patio to those who have not heard that term, ha!), and an awesome fire pit.

Inspirational messages and meaningful sayings are also considered cwtch, and a major part of s cwtch space. Here are a couple of my favorites which I literally just snapped in my house, and this is only a very small sample. I absolutely love these, and so do my children and my team. These types of messages have been a staple in our homes and offices (even our cars), and I had not idea we had so much cwtch! Or do we see these are cwtchy?

---

Here are some excerpts from an HGTV article talking about Cwtch.

Just when we we think we’re getting the hang of the Danes' take on creating a cozy lifestyle in your home, hygge, there’s a new player on the scene: cwtch.

Cwtch, which rhymes with “butch,” is a Welsh word that loosely means to cuddle. Much like hygge, cwtch has inspired a warm, comfy approach to design and entertaining that’s hard to resist. It’s all about a magical, warm state of mind that taps into our emotions and desires to create a truly welcoming home.

Intrigued? If you’re ready to get some cwtch in your life, keep reading.

Soft Textures

Regan Wood Photography

Think wool, cashmere or faux fur blankets and throws. Even a warm pair of socks will do. The idea is to choose items that are soft and comforting.

A Roaring Fire

Photographer: Jeri Koegel

The warmth from a fire on a cold night will always evoke those same cozy feelings we all love to experience. Even the crackling noise the fire makes as it burns can feel soothing for some of us.

Candles

Michael Moeller

If you don’t have a fireplace, consider burning some candles instead. Choose scents that you love with fresh, inspiring smells (bergamot, vetiver and mint are all good choices). 

Inspiring Messages

Sarah Wilson / Getty Images

Cwtch is all about feeling safe and secure at home. So choose some quotes that speak to you, and frame them as art. Keep them in spots where you can easily see them, and take advantage of the daily inspiration they offer.

---

If Janet Berry or her team can assist you, or the ones you care about, simply text or call here at 239-450-1892 for immediate help!

Let Janet Find Your Cwtch! OK, Maybe we are gong too far.

"Cwtch" is one of my favourite words. It is a word of my childhood which only has wonderful connotations. It is a welsh word which has a number of meanings all of which are warm and full of love. It is pronounced kutch, (rhymes with butch).

Cwtch, which has long been a familiar word in the Welsh language, was given two definitions: noun (Welsh) 1. a cupboard or cubbyhole. 2. a cuddle or hug.' However, this definition isn't conclusive, because the wonderful thing about the Welsh word, 'cwtch', is that there's no literal English translation.