Toddlers Toys

Little girls who love to play house can have their very own place with the Playskool Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage. And with its economical price and lightweight, compact build, parents are sure to be happy. Designed for children ages 3 and up, the Rose Petal Cottage lets kids take imaginative play to a whole new level.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Lovely toy cottage will delight little girls' imaginations, makes a cost-effective choice The Bad: Lightweight construction is very convenient, but it makes for easy tip-over In a Nutshell: Playhouse provides an ideal environment for fun, imaginative play At a Glance Ages: 3 years and up Requires: adult assembly

The cottage's two rooms nest for easy storage. View Larger.

Greeting visitors at the front door is always fun. View larger.

Charming Playhouse Features Delightfully Pretty Touches
The Cottage consists of two open halves, each measuring approximately 37-by-18-by-42 inches (LxDxH), with the collapsible chimney adding about eight inches to the height. It's constructed with two lightweight plastic and metal frames, snugly fitted with a nylon exterior that meets the flammability requirements of CPAI-84. The included toy stove has plastic and fiberboard construction.

All of the components require adult assembly. It took us about 1-1/2 hours to complete the job, and although no tools are required, you'll need a little bit of muscle to push the metal posts into the plastic connector pieces to construct the frames. After completing the frames, you next slide the nylon exterior on, which, as we discovered, requires a extra dose of patience. Since it's a tight fit, be careful! The fabric can snag and tear on the metal frame if you pull too hard or too quickly.

Yes, it takes some time and effort to assemble -- but it's well worth it. The Rose Petal Cottage is completely charming. Its cheerily printed exterior sports pretty pastel colors and old-fashioned roses, shutters and shingled-roof details, and a pink, vented chimney. Lace edges the roof and real curtains adorn the mesh-covered windows. The blue, Dutch-style door has a working mail slot, and it secures with two magnetic clasps.

We were delighted with the Cottage's many configuration possibilities: set the two sides apart from each other in any position that's convenient for your home, and your child can play in an "open" space. Push them together in a closed, "one-room" configuration, and your child can enter and exit through the door. Vents in the chimney and the mesh-covered windows ensure good air circulation. She will love having a private place to play and imagine. Two small children can fit easily inside, with room for other toys. And when your child is finished playing, you can slide one side into the other for space-saving storage.

Powered by Imagination
These days it's not easy to find toys that don't blink and beep, which is why we find the Rose Petal Cottage so refreshing. It simply provides beautiful props to fuel your child's creativity without limiting her, leaving play completely up to her imagination -- no batteries required.

The Cottage benefits parents, too: it's less expensive than other child-size houses on the market, plus it stores compactly and, with its lightweight build, is a cinch to move around. However, because of its tent-like build, leaning against the back from the inside will cause it to wobble and even tip completely over if your child is not careful. We suggest making sure the house is set against a wall or sturdy backing during play.

The Cottage comes with a stove, and additional toy appliances, furniture, and other accessories are available separate purchase should your child desire to furnish her cottage further.

What's in the Box
Components for assembling the Rose Petal Cottage: 2 fabric cottage covers, 30 connectors, and 38 frame tubes; unassembled toy stove.

Product Description

Give your little girl a place of her own. This fabric-covered playhouse is the perfect place to let little imaginations roam free. Standing just over four feet tall, this cottage has cozy, double-sided fabric walls, complete with windows, a Dutch door and a chimney. When It's time to prepare pretend meals, the durable fiberboard stove has knobs that really turn and an oven door that opens. Playing "house" in the Rose Petal Cottage lets your little girl build and create unforgettable memories in her very own home. Appliances and Nursery Playset sold separately. Measures 38.25"L x 38.5"W x 52"H. Adult assembly required. Available November 28, 2007.