Small cottages were all over Europe during World War II.  A great deal of these structures were framed with timber of various sizes and then the walls constructed between with either cob (small bundles of wood/stick/etc) stacked in bays of the timber, hay bale construction, wattle and daub, or a number of other material. 

Shutters were added for better protection from the elements, whether they be natural or otherwise.

The model can be used for World War II or many other time periods, as this method of construction was around for a great many years. There are several to choose from, and the timber beams change with the kits provided so you can have a variety of structures in your village/ town.