For our second extra long weekend, we decided to head to Prince Edward Island. We took the ferry, though you can take the bridge. For the same cost, we'd much rather take the ferry and be able to get out and enjoy the water. It's about an hour and it breaks up the four hour drive to the island nicely. Because we were catching the last one for the day, we boarded just as the sun set. It was a beautiful night on the water.
We decided to spend the first two nights in Charlottetown, the capital, and then make our way around the island, spending a few nights on the opposite side. Whenever we are staying anywhere, I always try to find a reasonable home to rent first. Often they're a little more than a hotel stay, but for us as a family of six, having our own space is so much more relaxing. Especially if we're staying in the same place for more than one night. Because we booked last minute, this historic, three story town house, right downtown in the historic district, was significantly discounted. It had everything that we could have wanted. The kitchen was well stocked. There was a charming little backyard area, as well as a large second floor balcony. The beds were very comfortable with hotel linens and towels. They even had set out everything we could have needed for our littlest, from baby gates to a high chair and toys.
While all of that is important, the best part of this home was the character it had. Being over two centuries old, the house simply oozed character. The floorboards were warped and creaky, and the treads on the stairs had been worn thin in the centers from decades of inhabitants climbing up and down. And what's more, the owner had furnished it with some lovely antique pieces, like this stunning wardrobe in the front entrance. How I would love to find a cabinet like this...
There was a cheerful dining room that overlooked the sidewalk just out front. The sun streamed in windows while we ate breakfast and because the house was set right at the sidewalk, and downtown being only a block away, people we always walking past. Beyond the dining room was the kitchen, which was dated and quite cramped, but still functional. And then beyond that, a few steps up, was a small sitting room and doors to the back yard. It wasn't a large yard, but rather a small deck and a patio area with a grill, perfect for dinging outside. It was just what we needed. There was also a very long, narrow front hall that led back to the kitchen from the front door, along the staircase. At the end of it was a tiny little powder room tucked under the second floor landing. The boys absolutely loved these little details. This, as well as the tiny little desk build into the kitchen cabinets with a stool and mounted radio. They took turns playing DJ while I flipped pancakes, and joked that if they were Harry Potter, the powder room would be their bedroom.
As I mentioned, the kitchen was very well stocked. There was a full spice cupboard, wonderfully sharp knives, a good variety of pots and pans, and a large collection of plain white china (much to my pleasure). They even had thoughtfully provided coffee and a French press, as well as gourmet hot chocolate and a couple snacks. This was particularly convenient as we had checked in long after the grocery stores had closed. Another reason we can justify the cost of a home to rent is because even though the accommodation might be more expensive than a hotel room, we're able to make meals at home, which for us is much more cost effective. After enjoying coffee on the balcony the next morning, I popped out to grab groceries and then came home in time to make breakfast for the boys.
The second floor had a small den at the top of the stairs. Here they had a sofa bed made up for the two little ones. They were beside themselves with the giant television mounted on the wall, as it meant they could watch cartoons in bed the next morning. And there was a tiny, half-sized door that you climbed out of to reach the balcony. It felt very New York!
Here you can see the upper balcony over the small patio area, as well as the attached neighbors.
At the other end of the hall, looking out the front of the house, was a small bathroom, and the master bedroom. I absolutely loved the natural light in the bathroom!
Then, up in the attic space of the third floor, with it's wonderfully high ceilings and exposed beams, there was a bedroom for the two older boys, as well as their own bathroom and small little sitting area with a chair and desk.
Their bathroom was the perfect little bath, with it's antique claw foot and cozy feel.
After arriving late the first night, when we had finally managed to get four very excited boys settled in bed, I climbed the two flights of stairs with my book and a cup of hot chocolate, and sunk into the tub with my book. I had lots to see in town the following day, but at that moment, I was just thankful for this little space which felt so much more like home than a hotel room.
