I stayed with my extended family in both cottages for a week. 7 adults and 5 kids (ages 1.5-9 years old) fit easily and comfortably in the houses. The rental process was extremely easy. It was reassuring to be in contact with the direct owner, who was patient and willing to answer all of our questions ahead of time.
Each house has 3 bedrooms off the living quarters - one larger with a single big bed, and two smaller with two twin beds. The larger house also has a gigantic master suite with king sized bed, en suite bath, and a loft with tons of additional sleeping space, if needed. Both houses are bright and cheerfully decorated, but not so much that you can't easily make it feel like your own home away from home.
The Popponessett marketplace is a 5 minute walk along a wooded trail - one part of a larger trail system that is great for getting a long walk in. The marketplace has everything you'd want - gift stores, ice cream, mini golf, restaurant/wine bar - just enough to be a fun place to go, but not over developed.
The trail to the marketplace goes right past the property, so during "rush hour" you can hear people chatter, but it was always quiet by a reasonable time. Actually, the houses are probably the two most private places in Maushop Village (a private beach community on the edge of a golf course). There is a large flat lawn, which is awesome for the kids to run around. It was really easy to entertain - with the two grills and lots of seating.
The beach is amazing for kids. It is a 5 minute walk, mostly on a paved path. The sand is soft, and there are enough shells to gather to keep the little ones interested (although not the biggest variety of shells). The water was so warm - probably close to 80 degrees. There are a few rocky patches, but once you get out a way it's completely sandy. The waves are easy to manage - not very high. You can stand in the water pretty far from shore.
We definitely needed beach umbrellas (we used one from each house, provided with the rental) and we were happy we had brought our own beach tent - the sun is bright and there is little shade. The kids had a great time digging a giant hole and building sand castles.
Between the houses, the proximity to the market and the beach - and the wonderful quality of both - we can't recommend this place enough. We hope to come back soon!
