Step2 Naturally Playful Countryside Cottage

A cottage can hold a lot of special meaning in a very small space. Take for instance Oakhurst Cottage, in Hambledon, Surrey, in the UK. This unusually well-preserved example of a Victorian-era cottage is owned by the National Trust, and was restored as a historical artifact. But it’s so tiny that it can only be viewed by groups of six or less people at a time!

The Naturally Playful Countryside Cottage from Step2 is another very special (and very small) cottage, but requires no travel or special appointments, since you can install it right in your backyard. This cute-as-a-button Step2 play house is loaded with charming old-fashioned detail: a blue “shingled” roof, “stone” walls with arched windows, a “wooden” Dutch door, and a built-in planter where you can put fake flowers (not included). The exterior of the Countryside Cottage will appeal to both you and your child – you’ll find that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb in your nicely landscaped yard, and your child will find it very fairy-tale charming.

But that doesn’t mean that modern kids don’t want modern conveniences in their modern playhouse, and the Step2 Countryside Cottage has those too: kids can “talk” on a battery-operated electronic phone, and they absolutely love the working doorbell! A teeny play kitchenette invites little homeowners to make tea for their guests, with a sink with a swiveling faucet and a stove burner with a clicking knob. A “stone” fireplace and a mail slot add even more pretend-play possibilities.

The Step2 Naturally Playful Countryside Cottage is made with stout, strong poly plastic that will endure many winters outside, and wipes off easily. The play house roof is high enough that a grownup can fit inside, and the open layout, with lots of windows, lets breezes in and makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids from across the yard. Suggested for ages 2 and up; requires 4 AAA batteries, not included.