The cottage is not my principal residence as it is too far from work to commute. I am there at weekends, for holidays and when I have the chance. Hence it would be classified by people as a holiday/2nd home. I described it as "my own home" because I love it. I feel very strongly about it. I bought it before I got married and it is in my name. I consider it to be my home, in the sense that I am at home there. I love it, have it decorated as my home and I'm there as often as I can.
However for financial reasons I'd still like to rent it out for a few weeks a year (fully legally paying taxes etc) to help cover some costs that the property incurs. Hope that clarifies things.