"Barton Cottage, though small, was comfortable and compact; but as a cottage it was defective, for the building was regular, the roof was tiled, the window shutters were not painted green, nor were the walls covered with honeysuckles." (Ch. 6)

JA seems to be slipping in a little piece of subtle irony here: I imagine that this is a nod to Marianne's Romantic sympathies, not quite picturesque enough for her; honeysuckle, green window shutters and asymmetry would probably make dear little Barton Cottage more acceptable to Marianne's eye.

"High hills rose immediately behind, and at no great distance on each side; some of which were open downs, the others cultivated and woody. The village of Barton was chiefly on one of these hills, and formed a pleasant view from the cottage windows. The prospect in front was more extensive; it commanded the whole of the valley, and reached into the country beyond. The hills which surrounded the cottage terminated the valley in that direction; under another name, and in another course, it branched out again between two of the steepest of them" (Ch. 6)

I can clearly picture it, can you? the sweet cottage with Barton village nestling on the majestic hills behind, perfect for running down and spraining one's ankle on, and a wide, sweeping view in front. It is characteristic JA: not too much detail, but enough to be able to allow the reader to form their own image in their mind.

It is interesting, and slightly amusing, to note that Mrs. Dashwood begins to think of improvements almost as soon as she steps foot in the cottage. JA describes mama Dashwood as "a woman who never saved in her life; Elinor is clearly the prudent one in the family and the one who will take responsibility for the Dashwood finances.