How To Choose a Great Beach Cottage For Your Vacation
You’re looking forward to your vacation by the beach, you’ve bought a brand-new swimsuit, and you’re ready for the sun. There’s only one minor detail that you haven’t yet considered: where are you going to stay? There is a way to escape the noise and bustle of a hotel or resort, while still keeping all those amenities you love. Why not choose a beach cottage? Renting a beach cottage is an affordable, enjoyable way to take your vacation from ‘good’ to ‘fantastic’. Here are a few tips to help you decide which beach cottage is right for you!
1) Do Your Research!
Don’t just hit up one website, decide you don’t like what you see, and give up on the whole venture. Check out several places and look at the photographs. If a cottage doesn’t have photos, rule it out, because you want to know what you’re getting yourself into. Take a look at photos of the inside and outside, then make yourself a list of the places that look nice, and put it aside ‘ you’ll come back to it later.
2) Choose Your Amenities
What kind of things must you absolutely have when on vacation? Microwave? Fridge? Full bathroom? Think about what you need and what you can live without. Make a list of these, and also think about things specific to cottages ‘ like having a barbeque, a porch, or being right on the edge of the water. You might also look into whether there are restaurants, grocery stores, or maybe clubs nearby ‘ it all depends on what kind of vacation you’re hoping for.
3) Choose Your Dates
Yes, you might think you have your vacation all planned out, but if you have your heart set on that great beach cottage that is the epitome of your dreams, you’ll need to be flexible. Decide how flexible you’re willing to be, and keep that in mind when looking at the available cottages. If it’s occupied the weekend you’d hoped to arrive, would you be willing to begin your vacation later in the week? Or perhaps the weekend after?
4) Comparison Shop
With your list of beautiful cottages, required amenities, and dates of travel in hand, go back over your selection of potential beach cottages and check off all the ones that either don’t have the amenities you want, or simply aren’t feasible in terms of travel dates. Narrow things down to your best 5 choices.
5) Talk to the Owners
Finally, call the owners of each beach cottage! The best way to ensure you get a great beach cottage for your vacation is to talk to the person who owns it. Use a list of questions so that you don’t get sidetracked when talking to them, and get a feel for what the owner is like. Do they seem to have experience when it comes to cottage rentals? If they don’t make you feel wanted when you call them, they probably don’t really care about their property as well. You want to deal with someone who wants to make your stay in their cottage as pleasant and memorable as possible!
Adrian Adams
View all articles by Adrian Adams
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Beach House ENTERTAINMENT ARMOIRE Cottage Style 30 Distressed Paints Wood Stains $2,449.99 |
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South Beach Cottages.com Book Cottage Full YearRound $2,500.00 |
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Eco-Friendly Cottage Style Beach Plum ARM CHAIR Organic Upholstered Fabrics NEW $2,299.99 |
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Vaughan Bassett Julians Colours-Beach Cottage White Set $2,425.00 |
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COTTAGE STYLE Solid Wood Beach House CURIO 30 Paints Stains Fine Bench Built NEW $1,599.99 |
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WYNDHAM COTTAGES AT MRYTLE BEACH JUNE 17-24 4 BEDROOM UNIT $1,699.00 |
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COTTAGE STYLE Solid Wood Beach House BOOKCASE 30 Paints Stains Fine Bench Built $1,329.99 |
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PAIR VINTAGE SEASHELL ROMANTIC FRENCH BEACH COTTAGE STYLE FABULOUS TWIN BEDS $1,300.00 |
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THEORDORE ALEXANDER beach living room chair chairs cottage 3 months old $999.99 |
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Destin, FL, Wyndham Beach Street Cottages, 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4, 9 – 16 June 2012 $999.00 |
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1 week 7 night stay AMELIA ISLAND FERNANDINA BEACH FLORIDA 1 bdr cottage rental $900.00 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $825.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $825.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $825.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $825.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $825.99 |
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Country Cottage near beaches; heated pool; SW France 7 days from 9th June; £495 $782.45 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $735.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $735.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $735.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $735.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $735.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $696.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $696.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $696.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $696.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $696.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $670.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $670.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $670.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $670.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $670.99 |
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NAUTICAL BEACH HOUSE / COTTAGE STYLE NATURAL TEAK DRIFTWOOD ACCENT COFFEE TABLE $645.66 |
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Wyndham Myrtle Beach Cottages 6/5-3Nt-4br/SLEEPS 14/Item ends 5/21 $625.00 |
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BeachHouseByOwner.com domain name for beach house vacation rentals condo cottage $599.00 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $592.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $592.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $592.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $592.99 |
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A&E Wood Designs Soraya Beach Cottage Collection Console and Accent Bookcase $592.99 |
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SHABBY COTTAGE BEACH CHIC WHITE CORNER 42″ FLAT SCREEN TV CABINET MEDIA STAND $399.99 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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Coastal Shutter Beach Cottage Mirror 30 Finishes $399.79 |
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SHABBY COTTAGE BEACH CHIC STYLE SHUTTERS 50″ FLAT SCREEN TV CABINET MEDIA STAND $329.99 |
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SHABBY COTTAGE BEACH CHIC WHITE SHUTTERS 50″ FLAT SCREEN TV CABINET MEDIA STAND $318.89 |
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SHABBY BEACH COTTAGE ORNATE WHITE ROSES WREATH VINTAGE CHIC BED CROWN NEW $279.00 |
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SHABBY COTTAGE BEACH CHIC STYLE WHITE 50″ FLAT SCREEN TV CABINET MEDIA STAND NEW $299.99 |
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WHITE Sea Shell Frame Shabby Cottage Beach Coastal Decor 24 x 30 Vintage Ornate $195.00 |
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SHABBY BEACH COTTAGE CLASSIC SOLID LIGHT BLUE CHIC MATELASSE QUILT & SHAM SET $289.95 |
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Elegant Beach Cottage Hand~Made Wood Room Divider 60″H x 59″ W $287.77 |
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Elegant Malibu Beach Cottage Hand~Made Wood Room Divider 72″H x 80″ W $287.77 |
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BEACH BUM HAWAIIAN TROPICAL COTTAGE CRAB QUILT SET KING $280.50 |
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Curved Wicker Chest of Drawers Small Dresser Island Beach Cottage Rattan White $185.00 |
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Shell Palace Cabinet Mirror Beach Cottage Decor Shells White Beige $197.00 |
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Pair Chippendale Bamboo Dining 2 Chairs Rattan Trellis Wicker Beach Cottage Fl $165.00 |
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SALE! NAUTICAL BEACH COTTAGE BLUE & WHITE CAL / KING QUILT + SHAMS SET $229.99 |
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SHABBY BEACH WHITE COTTAGE CHIC QUILTED MATELASSE QUILT & PILLOW SHAMS SET QUEEN $239.95 |
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Wicker Chest of Drawers Small Dresser Rattan Island Beach Cottage Nightstand? Fl $159.00 |
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Bamboo Pair Twin Headboards Faux Rattan Hollywood Regency Beach Cottage 2 Fl $159.00 |
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Coastal Chic Nautical Cottage Beach STARFISH TABLE Hall Buffet LAMP ANTIQUE GOLD $217.80 |
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STARFISH SHABBY NAUTICAL BEACH HOUSE COTTAGE CHIC STYLE BUFFET ACCENT Table LAMP $217.80 |
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Elegant Beach Cottage Wood Room Divider $217.77 |
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Glam Peacock Wicker Scroll Work Club Chair Victorian Shabby Chic Beach Cottage $135.00 |
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SALE! NAUTICAL BEACH COTTAGE BLUE & WHITE QUEEN QUILT + SHAMS SET $194.99 |
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1 Peacock Twin Size Headboard Wicker Rattan Victoria Island Cottage Beach White $149.00 |
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French Beach Bungalow Cottage Chic Vintage 30′s Barkcloth Era Fa $195.00 |
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SHABBY BEACH COTTAGE CHIC STYLE DECOR FURNITURE WHITE WOOD DESK COMPUTER OFFICE $199.99 |
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BARBADOS SUNSET TROPICAL BEACH COTTAGE PALM TREE CAL / KING QUILT 100% COTTON $189.99 |
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BARBADOS TROPICAL BEACH COTTAGE PALM TREE ISLAND OVERSIZE CAL/ KING QUILT COTTON $189.99 |
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Beach Cottage Framed Art Print by Barbara Mock, 32×26 $174.99 |
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Cottage King Duvet &Sham Bed Set New Shabby Green White Beach Cabana Stripe Chic $189.95 |
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SALE! NAUTICAL BEACH COTTAGE BLUE & WHITE CAL / KING QUILT : 100% COTTON $169.99 |
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Corelle Livingware Memphis 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 $28.99 Corelle Livingware is the original break and chip-resistant glass dinnerware. Trust that it can stand up to the rigors of everyday life and still look great. 3 year replacement warranty against breaking and chipping. Dishwasher safe for long-lasting patterns. Microwave and oven use for versatility. Patterns won’t wash, wear, or scratch off. Break and chip-resistance for carefree durability. Stacka… |
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Wood Country Style White Farmhouse Dining Bench with Natural Finish Seat $46.49 This new white solid wood bench has a beautiful farmhouse style with a natural finish seat. It is great for use at the dining room table and can seat 2 people comfortably. Dimensions: 47″ Long x 14″ Wide x 18″ Tall. This listing is only for the dining bench. It does not include the rest of the dining set…. |
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Intellitec WPT1000 Digital Water Purity Tester $9.80 The IntelliTEC Digital Water Purity Tester measures the total dissolved solids (TDS) in water. It’s a measurement described in parts per million (ppm); the higher the reading, the more chance there’s something harmful in your water. You’ll always know the water purity, wherever you drink…. |
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Automatic for the People $3.89 R. E. M. AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE… |
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To the Faithful Departed $2.32 This is the Cranberries’ contribution to the time-honored difficult-third-album syndrome, with the Irish quartet–particularly frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan–working to expand its musical base and stretch out in new lyrical directions. While their efforts are only partially successful, the band approaches the task with such cocky confidence that the album maintains a consistently high level of lika… |
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Musical Chairs $2.39 CD… |
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Zenith Country Cottage Toilet Paper Holder $19.99 The Country Cottage Bath Tissue Cabinet provides protective and decorative toilet tissue storage, great for every bathroom in the house, from the guest bath to the master and especially useful in bathrooms with pedestal sinks and little storage! Made of wood with a crisp white finish, this toilet paper holder features a hidden section behind a door that stores 4 rolls of toilet paper, while … |
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Hardware House H10-4852 Monterey 30-Inch Dual Mount Ceiling Fan, Beach Wood and Satin Nickel $49.50 … |
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Tropical Nautical Starfish Single Wall Towel Hook Hanger $9.99 Tropical Nautical Starfish Single Wall Towel Hook Hanger… |
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On Golden Pond (Special Edition) $5.37 Writer Ernest Thompson, who came up with the original stage play of On Golden Pond and adapted it for film, is lucky to have two giants of the screen give dignity and breadth to his sometimes trite dialogue. Henry Fonda, in his last role, plays a prickly English professor at the disagreeable age of 80. Visiting his summer house by a Maine lake with his wife (Katharine Hepburn), the old man forges … |
