If you’re like us and have super full schedules due to careers, freelance gigs, and kids’ competitive sports, it’s not easy to find time to getaway.

But, when a cousin’s 50th birthday pops up, you make time. After all, as many of us keep adding decades to our age (I’m still a couple years away), it’s vital to spend time together as much as possible.

Since we live in cottage country, it also means finding suitable accommodations that are close to the venue for the night we’re away – made slightly more difficult since Sam and Court live in a tiny village called Brooklin on the outskirts of Whitby.

There are no hotels nearby, although I hear those are on the way, and the only decent “hotel” we found was looking at two night minimums. So, we hit up Air BnB with hopes something good (and close) was available.

After sifting through what amounted to mostly mid options, we found Santa’s Cottage in Rural Oshawa on Ritson Road North . . . it was a separate building from the main house on a lovely piece of farmland and only 12 minutes from the Brooklin Pub where the party was being held.

Now, from what we could tell after more research, this property is a must-visit in the winter when it’s a festive outpost full of Christmas fun – hence the name Santa’s Cottage. We may have to return to check it out then.

Still, the summer visit was wonderful. We met the hosts Sally and Russ, they were delightfully welcoming.

The cottage is super cute with everything you could want – and more – for an overnight stay or even a few nights. The whole property is lovely (see the photo gallery below).

Everything is clean and they really go all in on the farm décor, which was pretty cool.

Both of us were pleasantly surprised by the farm fresh eggs, local treats like butter tarts, and other refreshments that were complimentary of the hosts.

We ended up getting an Uber to the party and cousin Fab (who turns 50 later this year) was the DD on the way since he had to be up early.

Good thing we didn’t drive because the vodka sodas (two limes) were going down nicely on the warm summer evening.

After several beverages, lots of laughs, and a lot of hugs, we returned to Santa’s Cottage to sleep. But, before bed, we sat outside and enjoyed the quiet of the country, and a big, bright full moon.

The next morning Russ came to say hi as we were on our way out. I did mention that the box spring was getting squeaky, as I figured no one had told them yet, and he thanked us for letting him know so he could fix it, as well as for choosing to stay with them.

Overall, I would definitely recommend a visit, especially if you’re looking for a scenic time away.

That’s it for me! Ciao for Now!