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.

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

With the Petal Cottage your little girl can have a house of her own. View larger. View Side - Back

The cottage can be easily stored away.

Charming Design
The Rose Petal Cottage has been designed with the sensibilities of young girls in mind. It has a charming and quaint appearance, and is constructed with fabric walls to help children feel right at home. It comes complete with several draped windows, a Dutch door that opens and closes, and a delightful pink chimney.

The cottage is colored in a warm mix of pastel blue, pink, viridian, and yellow -- a palette that will be certain to appeal to any little girl. It even has several colored flower and ivy decals to give the cottage a welcoming, rustic feel. In addition, both of the cottage's "rooms" are totally unique and look different from one another, giving your child's imagination even more space to explore.

What's in the Box
Two fabric cottage covers, 38 poles, 28 connector pieces, Rose Petal Stove, and assembly instructions.