The Cottage House

The Cottage House is like cottage cheese because it’s awesome. My girlfriend found this vintage shop on Unilocal.It’s easy to find free parking on Chicago Avenue or one of the close by side streets. It’s a great place to explore — many nooks and crannies filled with stuff. The place unfolds in to the backyard and then another property. The best part is it’s NOT EBAY PRICES. Most antique places I’ve visited are priced at Ebay collectible prices. People want to «discover» a deal and feel like pickers. I came away with two wooden beehive trays for $ 8 each, a cool styrofoam number four for $ 5 and some scroll sawed letters cut from hardcover books. It’s clean, it’s organized, it’s only open a few days per month, it’s FUN to shop. Highly recommend!

I stopped by on my lunch today. They are only open certain weekends per month, so be sure to check their website for those dates. I was looking for a gift and what a great place it was. There was new and old, refurbished and rustic, expensive and inexpensive. I was impressed and certainly recommend. If only money were no object!

This place is MAGICAL. I stopped by with some friends a couple weekends ago and it was pretty clear right away that I was in trouble. I had to be talked out of several things I really didn’t need (need is so relative…) and finally ended up going home with an old wood-​framed screen window that I use as a jewelry hanger. It looks great, is functional, and only cost $ 7!
Things that I love:
— Great variety. Every month has a different theme, so turnover is very good, and there is a huge selection of both indoor and outdoor stuff. (Furniture, clothes, plants, knick-​knacks, etc.)
— Organization. This is a very well curated space, not just a cluttered pile of stuff that you have to dig through, which can be super overwhelming.
— Price. Not everything is cheap, but compared to other vintage/​secondhand places I’ve been to their prices seem really reasonable.
— Music! Whoever puts together their playlist is my hero.
Things I don’t love:
— Nothing. I love everything about this place.

So much furniture! If you are in the market for a new end table, coffee table, dresser, or desk make sure to check here first. Only open one weekend a month, but I’m already planning on coming back when I move again to redecorate. There is two houses worth of items, so be prepared to be overwhelmed.

I love this place. I’m always shocked at the fair prices for things. Sure there’s a few things overpriced, but you expect that. But by and large they are very fair. It’s actually bigger then it looks. It’s a house and store with backyard full of stuff. Definitely a place to see. But come early cuz the stuff goes quick.

Seriously bad customer service. I contacted them about possibily shipping an item, as I was highly interested. Not only did I not get a reply, but I had to watch as they continuously posted and updated other things. Obviously I wasn’t important enough for even a simple reply such as a: «no», or «hmmm, let me get back to you on that» would have sufficed.
I’m sure if you live near them and if you go in person, they pull a different façade. However, they ignored me. I guess I’m just not deemed worthy enough for a response.
Unliked.

The cottage house definitely sets the bar for other shops of its kind in the metro area — they have friendly staff, a lot of goods and reasonable prices. They are only open once a month, so in theory it should always be «new» each time and never see many of the items a second month in a row.
I have made many a purchase here along with my mom. We have bought cabinets, decorations and other household «nick-​nacks» here and have been pleased with them. The best purchase by far either of us have made was a mustard yellow china cabinet that is now at home in my apartment. It is gorgeous and was a great storage solution.
Like all antique/​repurposed/​salvage style places like the Cottage House, there are definite miss months that you will not find anything for the life of you — but I have never had it happen more than one month in a row.
If you go — make sure you go towards the beginning of their open days — by Sunday this place is cleared out and not worth it.
Definitely check this place out — its worth the trip and horrible parking!

Seriously charming.
Usually with these open-​only-​once-​a-​month shops you still get the same junk month after month! With a new theme every time they open, the Cottage House has got it going on. August was «Antique Fair», and everything was rustic, charming, and very high quality! There was a great mix of antiques, restored furniture, and even some unique repurposed trinkets. Unlike typical antique shops and thrift stores, there’s a lack of funky dust smells, and every item has either undergone a new paint job or at least a thorough cleaning.
Now let’s talk $$$. Expect prices SO LOW you will want to completely refurnish/​redecorate your house on a monthly basis. My lovely mother bought a $ 5 vinegar cruet. As probably the only vinegar cruet expert on the planet, she said the same item would be at least $ 20 at any antique store anywhere else. You can even score larger furniture for as low as $ 50 (think bookshelves, china cabinets, and even armoires!). Now you’re thinking… how will I possibly get my burly purchase-​carrier/​transporter to accompany me on this trip? Well, there’s free popcorn and candy for everyone to enjoy as they browse.
Let me just say, I cannot wait for September’s «French Country» theme. I may need to buy a rural house just to put all the new knickknacks I plan on buying. Oh la la!

I’m with everyone else! Admittedly I was already super pumped to go here since I had read all the glowing reviews. so I might have had rose colored glasses on? But seriously, what a lovely store. Crowded and crazy but great prices and great selection.
I left an awesome loveseat today and I’m already regretting it, so I might have to go back and get it. if it is still there!

Since everyone has covered the primary reasons you’d go here (GREAT prices, tons of selection, rotating supply) I’m gonna let my inner fat kid leave a review.
Free homemade cookies. And popcorn. WHILE YOU PERUSE THE ROOMS FULL OF MAGIC!
You’re welcome.

I abolsutely LOVE this place! Everything is cheap and they switch up there supply every month. Sundays is usually sale day, so if you dare to wait until most is gone there are some pretty sweet deals. Once of the best vintage stores in Minneapolis!

During January and March I’d only bought TWO items. Stopped on Thursday March 3 and walked away with FIVE items very reasonably priced. On the way home made a great find also at a thrift store. That makes SIX purchases in one day ! Am having an auction of my accumulation on March 25 and intention is not to buy anything anywhere. Cool place!

The cottage house is great the only downfall is it can be hard to know when it’s open. I live ridiculously close to the store and check if it’s open every time I drive by but recently it’s been a no go. If you like it you might want to like it on facebook or regularly check it’s website since they post the dates they’re open there. Anyway the Cottage house is pretty great I found THE most amazing pink 50’s atomic lamps there and they are probably my favorite purchase ever. It’s mostly housewares with occasional vintage accessories, I can’t say i remember any clothes. They have a lot of painted furniture, sometimes it’s cool, sometimes it’s a crappy piece of furniture they painted and sometimes you wonder why they didn’t leave it as is. Either way The cottage house is pretty cool, full of great items, has decent prices and is generally a good time.

amazing! i found so many unique finds at great prices! this is a hidden gem! I’m ready to come back next month!

I found this place via Craigslist and the first weekend I went to check it out, it was closed :(but that didn’t stop me from trying again and I’m happy I did! This place reminds me a lot of Hunt & Gather and I guess some of the vendors shop there and vise versa.
The Cottage House is only open one weekend a month and it’s easy to miss because it looks like a regular house, but don’t let that fool you!
The best thing to pick up here is furniture for sure. It’s priced amazingly and there’s always something unique. Don’t be intimidated if the dresser your eyeing is covered in stuff, the awesome staff will clear it all off and haul it downstairs for you. Also keep in mind that almost everything is for small so don’t miss the tiny marble-​top table hiding under the lamp and pile of books.
I haven’t been in the summer but I bet there would be a lot more stuff outside in the front and back yards.

Echoing miss Annie D & Alexandra H, this place is everything I could have dreamed of and more! I had a little trouble finding it, as it is very well hidden, and resembles that of an old woman’s house. A few vintage Coca-​Cola crates caught my eye, and I knew I had arrived.
This house is magical, as there are trinkets to look at left and right. The have an incredible selection of furniture, specifically that of dressers, vanities, and dressers. Everything is extremely affordable too, and painted in chic colors. My fave was a light blue dresser, with vintage multicolor knobs for around $ 125. I was seriously considering lugging it home, however realized that I did not need this glorious piece of furniture, as I just inherited a dresser of my grandmas. In any case, if you are on a budget, looking for trendy, funky furniture, this is your definite go to.
My hands down favorite part about the Cottage House are the decorated rooms, where EVERYTHING in them is for sale! A few Christmas ornaments ($ 4 each) as well as a log cabin birdhouse ($ 6) caught my madre’s eye, and we were quick to snatch them up.
Hidden treasures galore is what you will find. I cannot even wait to go next month to see the goodies they have hiding throughout. Cottage House you are the coolest.

This place is the cat’s pajamas.
The concept of decorating each room with «For Sale» items is brilliant. I found myself desirous of many things that, as a college student sharing a place with 2 roommates, I frankly don’t need at the moment.
They have a lot of nice dressers – some for under $ 100 – and vanities! I don’t know that I’d ever NEED to own a vanity, but for the prices they were going for ($ 98 for a gorgeous black one with a large mirror) I’d find a spot.
Get on the email list so you know when their next sales are coming up & bring mom if you want some serious brownie points!

I’ve held off reviewing this place for a while because, well, I’m selfish. I wanted The Cottage House and its chic shabbiness all to myself (I would have shared only with previous reviewers Jamie R, Maria A and my waxer, Farah, who told me about this heaven-​on-​earth in the first place).
It’s your lucky day, Unilocalers, because I can keep it to myself no longer. I usually cringe at the phrase, «best _​_​_​ever,» but The Cottage House is quite honestly one of my BEST discoveries EVER.
You walk into what you think is a South Minneapolis house and it’s absolutely full (like fire-​code-​breaking full) of vintage furniture, décor and knick-​knacks. A lot of the furniture has been repainted in fun, modern colors like light turquoise, red and yellow. You go upstairs: more stuff. Even the toilet and the bathtub are covered in trendy, CHEAP things. You go in the backyard: more stuff. You go in the garage: even MORE stuff.
They are open one long weekend a month (Wednesday through Saturday) and they revamp the house itself every time. The merchandise changes frequently and if you don’t have the hauling means, you can pick up your purchases anytime before they close on Sunday. They’ll put a big «SOLD» sign on your things to make everyone else jealous.
The first time I went in the spring, I couldn’t even buy anything because I had so much trouble focusing with all the pretty distractions. There were nightstands, dining room tables, some flowy nightgowns from the ‘60s, colored glass vases, vintage irons, interesting local paintings, garden furniture and cute cabinets. My friend eyed a giant mirror with a really rockin’ frame. Other than the fact that most of the stuff is really cute, the best part about The Cottage House is that it’s so inexpensive. Some of the stuff is actually unreasonably cheap, considering the prices on Craigslist these days.
I will say no more. You just have to enjoy it for yourself. And you have to sign up in person, but I suggest getting on their email list immediately, if not sooner.
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Update (7÷9÷10): I bought something this month. An incredible ‘40s buffet/​hutch with lion fixtures. A cool $ 165.

This place is just the coolest. I agree with everything the other reviewer, Jamie said. Also, there is easy parking usually on the street. It’s easy to get to but you have to look for it, it does look like a crazy lady’s house. They not only have a refinished look each month, they also have local artists paintings for sale there at very reasonable. I have 3 now and I go every month. I LOVE it, I’m totally addicted and can’t wait to go each month.
As a funny side note, I was up late one night and called their line to see when they were open (expecting voicemail) and they answered! I almost hung up but then they laughed and said that they were there working on stuff at all kinds of crazy hours! Gotta love these guys… so cool!

I love that I am the first to not only write a review for this store, but actually the first to enter it into Unilocal.This proves my point that Country Cottage is indeed a hidden away gem that very few people know about. And yet here I am about to enlighten you all.
So. the scoop. Most people don’t even know that the Cottage House is in fact, a store. Why? Two main reasons.
A. It doesn’t look like a store. It looks like a crazy lady’s house. You know the type of lady with too many cats and pink flamingos littering the front yard. And in the summer there probably are pink flamingos. In the spring there are flowers. In the winter there is Christmas decorations… Behind the tiny white picket fence, the outside of the house is always filled with as many treasures as the inside.
B. People don’t know its a store because it is only opened one weekend a month. (Usually the second weekend) That’s right. Only one weekend a month. But that is the coolest thing about the store. Every month they close down, take everything out, repaint and redecorate with a new theme, and then reopen the next month. It is like a totally new store every time you come in. How cool is that?! I know!
Inside you will find all sorts of antique and shabby chic treasures, at ridiculously low prices. (Hint: they also bargain) You really just have to go see for yourself
Bottom Line: Hidden treasure galore. You can thank me later.