We had a face-to-face get together and started discussing cottages. A few of us are renting a cottage or camping. What are the draws to a specific cottage? We thought we'd share our thoughts.
- Location - isn't it always! How far do you want to drive from home? Know it might depend on length of time at the cottage. Most of us don't want to drive five hours for two nights. Some people love to drive so that factors in.
- Water - lake or ocean or none at all! Are you a beach person? A swimmer? Would you prefer to swim in the ocean or a lake? Do you need a beach to swim or can you dive off a dock? Also some people don't want to get in the water but they do like seeing it. Renting a place with water views.
- Size does matter. Seriously if you have a large family you need a larger cottage. There should be enough space for people to escape to. If sharing a bedroom fine but enough bedrooms for the odd person to crash/nap if they want.
- Rustic anyone? Yes know rustic can be a broad term. For some people it is wood paneling on the walls and for others it is limited electrical and water. We won't get into camping as that is a whole other category.
- Having cottage fully equipped. Renting a place with towels, linen, pots and pan already there. You walk in with your stuff and that is all. Most Airbnb are fully equipped which is nice. Remember if they list coffee maker ask what type you don't want to bring a package of coffee to find a Keurig.
- Privacy. Do you want to see your neighbors? Maybe just a roof line or through the trees? For some people wanting to escape this is a major consideration. They don't want to walk out to the deck in pjs and have a conversation with the neighbor on their deck next door.
- BBQ, outdoor fire pit and/or fireplace. For some people having a fire pit is a deal breaker. If they can't sit around a fire in the evening that listing is off the table.
- Outdoor area. Does it have a deck off the main living area? Or is there a sitting area over in the grass? What do you want to do at the cottage? Kids running around? Does the outdoor space work for you?
These are a few things we thought should be considered when looking at renting a cottage. It is time, money and energy and should be looked into. What are your non-negotiables? Privacy? Water access? Make sure those boxes are ticked. What can you give up? Can you deal with wood paneling? Your not living there full-time.
We have rented cottages and it is such a great experience. Change of scenery. Downtime. Two of our non-negotiables are privacy (don't mind seeing a house in the distance) and water. Not necessary a beach but there is something about water that is calming.
Hope everyone is making the most out of summer!!
