As you all know, Roberta lives in the one KidKraft home that I own. I've been thinking about getting one for Dasia. So, a couple days ago I did extensive research on all the KidKraft homes. I charted about 23 of the dollhouses and compared prices from four different online stores. Then I started crossing off houses that I would never buy, no matter what. That helped out quite a bit, because then I wasn't tempted when I saw it at an awesome price. Then I circled all the houses I would buy regardless of price. From there I started thinking strictly of Dasia and her husband. If the bedroom was too pink, I thought twice. I was also looking for a decent size living room, like Roberta has, and a decent sized kitchen. By the end of the exercise, I selected a house. I slept on my decision before making my purchase today.
Below are a few houses I considered, the one I finally purchased, and a new house coming out in August, 2015.
This is the My Dreamy house. It was a serious contender. Even looking at the picture now, I still like it for Dasia. I loved the living room, the working front door, and the two porches. The bedroom was a little too pink for Mr. Reed.
Another contender was the Sweet Savannah.
I loved the porch on the right side, but I didn't like the feel of the kitchen.
This is the Pink Paradise House. I loved the living room and the bathroom, but that bedroom was too much.
This is the Luxury dollhouse. It was not on the list for Dasia, but it is another one I am considering adding in the future. The price is really good, and I like the modern feel.
So this is the My Dream Mansion and it is the house I purchased. I immediately thought about the I Love Lucy show when I saw the two beds. Don't worry, Dasia and her husband will get a new bed. I like the size of the bedroom, and it's not too pink. I will be able to do a lot with that living room. I'm considering not adding those pink stairs, just so they will have even more room. The kitchen is a decent size, and I will be able to extend the first floor out to give her a little more room.
This is the cute bathroom. Love the colors.
During my research, I ran across a new house that is due out next month. It is called the Country Estate and it is quite impressive.
Four floors of glorious play. It's a nice house for a single mom with a couple of kids. They made the bedroom too small for a couple.
Love, love, love this porch next to the kitchen.
This top floor office could also act as a little kids room.
It has a garage.
A look inside the garage.
The bathroom is a really nice size.
So that ends my Dasia home search. Hopefully the construction team will get it built as soon as it arrives, so I can start doing some Dasia stories.
Very nice houses and I love the one you picked. Dasia will love it.
ReplyDeleteAnnaloy - Thanks. They are much roomier in person than they appear in the pictures.
DeleteI think Dasia will be pleased with her new house! I also really liked the Dreamy house and the new County Estate. While I agree that the bedrooms are too small for a couple, I think it would make a really cute house for a bunch of single ladies to share -- like either college student or models!
ReplyDeletePhyllis - She has worked hard modeling new fashions, so they deserve a new house. That Country Estate house is really nice. I may have to indulge once that one becomes available.
DeleteVery nice! The Reeds are blest to have found a great home.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had space for dedicated homes for my crew. As it is, each scene is setup and broken down, after each photostory/video. I have to restate each one exactly the same for future shoots. I do love all of it and your story lines are the best!!!!!!
Bnova - Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your fashion blog. I'm sure I will be inspired to create some new Dasia outfits. I still set up quick dios, but since I've been sewing I haven't had the time to do it as much. Having the house makes stories a lot quicker.
DeleteThose are some impressive dollhouses!
ReplyDeleteLike Bnova, I wish I had space for some (or even one) of them, but I'm happy to settle for watching your crew living in them!
jSarie - They do take up a lot of room. One of the houses I considered, but didn't show above, was just massive. Not as big as Country Estate, though. It helps that the houses are only 3 sided. They take up less space than my dios, but they are just taller.
DeleteThe My Dream Mansion is niiice. Looking forward to seeing how you customize it for Dasia and hubby. You could paint the stairs and/or use them in another setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your approach to choosing a new doll home ;-)
D7ana - I think Dasia will be very happy once it's constructed and they have moved in. I won't tell you how much time it took me to choose a house. That's why I had to just cross things off because I kept looking at the same houses over and over.
DeleteHello from Spain: I love seeing dollhouses. I like all models. I look forward to you to have the house. The garage is very real. I also really like the porch. keep in touch
ReplyDeleteMarta - I love these houses. They make storytelling a lot quicker and quick is what I need these days.
DeleteThese are some really awesome dollhouses! How do you find them?
ReplyDeleteLOeandra - All the house details are at KidKraft.com. I then searched Target.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com, ebay.com and a couple others to see who had the best prices. Everyone provided free shipping which is always a plus.
DeleteThanks for telling me. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing Vanessa, I don't have the space for dollhouses, but LOVE them all....I think you made a wonderful choice for Dasia, I like the house and I'm thrilled at the idea that you are going to refurbish it....
ReplyDeleteThe Mansion is impressive! too bad for that small bedroom,
billa's dolls - I would love to buy all my major families a house, but that's not going to happen. Although these houses are big, they are much less bulky and awkward than all the Barbie houses I have.
Deleteit's so great that Dasia and Mr.Reed are going to have a house! Do you keep them lined up together, like a small suburb or town? I have always wanted to do this with the barbie houses I find but I don'thave the space.
ReplyDeleteLisa - Dasia is the one doll around here earning her keep, so the least I can do is buy her a house. My KidKraft house is in my sewing room, while all the other dollhouses are in the basement. I had plans to move it to the basement with the others, but I think I will put Dasia's house in the sewing room, too. At least for a little while.
DeleteI really like the Country Estate. I would have to (as they say) kit bash the rooms on the fourth floor for height. But the feel of the house is nice.
ReplyDeleteJanainah - It's hard to judge the size of the rooms until you get the houses put together. That fourth floor may be taller than it appears.
DeleteVanessa, you are a house hunter after my own heart. I love your systematic approach to narrowing down Dasia's options. Kidkfraft makes the best dollhouses. Mara has one, but I want another modern one for myself- lol. If that Country Estate had been out last Christmas, she would have gotten that one without a doubt. Dasia's new house has lots of potential. I can't wait to see her in it.
ReplyDeleteJewell - I had to do something. I kept looking at and relooking at the same houses thinking that somehow my opinion would change. A person can spend days looking at these houses. Which one does Mara have?
DeleteLove all the dollhouses. I wish I had the room to create a nice Moreville neighborhood, but I don't even have the room to put my Barbie mansion. It's made by Real Good Toys. They have a Barbie townhouse I hope to get and build someday, but it's pricey so I'll have to save up. :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi - I've seen all the Real Good Toy Barbie houses. They are really nice, but for the price, I can buy 4 or 5 KidKraft houses. I have a couple miniature houses and I have yet to decorate them. It's like I'm so scared to make a mistake that I do nothing. I think I would be the same way on the Barbie version. Especially knowing what I paid for it. I hope you find space for it, because we would love to see it in action.
DeleteVery nice houses. You chose a great one! That Country Estate is TDF. I would love that one, but no where to put it. I can imagine that you are going to make it a very nice for Dasia.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Girl - You have a whole doll room, surely the Country Estate would fit somewhere in there. I will probably invest in the Country Estate if I can get it for a good price.
DeleteLove what you chose for Dasia and her husband! The Luxury dollhouse is on my Christmas list as a gift to myself. I love the modern look and since I never keep the actual background (always cover with scrapbook paper or paint white) I can change out furniture and pretend everyone's condo has the same floor plan.
ReplyDeleteLoving that Country Estate, my goodness! If I had the room...that'd be awesome to have.
Can't wait to see Dasia and hubby's place. :-)
Tracy - Yes that Luxury is a nice one. That is a good way to use it for multiple houses. I buy these houses specifically for the backgrounds. I love the depth it adds in the photos. I do plan to make some more furniture so that I can possibly use future houses for multiple families.
DeleteThese are all really nice houses. I like the one you chose for Dasia and Mr. Reed. I know it will be decorated nicely and look like the home of a mature couple once you've added your special touches.
ReplyDeleteThe Country Estate looks like the Rolls Royce of them all, complete with garage. The possibilities are numerous with that one.
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DBG - The couple is so excited. They will be Roberta's neighbors. There are a couple more houses with garages. I already have a family in mind for that Country Estate. We will see what happens.
DeleteYou picked an awesome house! Dasia is going to love it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have to thank you. I found a huge doll house at Goodwill a few months ago and didn't know where it was from. Now I know it's KidKraft! Mine will need a wee makeover, though. One of the rug stickers has been peeled off.
Sarah - Wow, how lucky to find a KidKraft home at the Goodwill! Did you figure out which house it is?
DeleteI'm still not sure which one it is. I'll have to keep looking. It sure was a lucky find, though! And totally worth having to borrow my BFF's van in the pouring rain to pick it up from the store. Worth bribing her with two pints of Talenti, too. ;)
DeleteChoosing doll houses is serious business! That last one is ginormous and I would love to have it.
ReplyDeleteMuff - So many choices, it gets confusing. That's why I had to do the whole spreadsheet thing. You rarely go wrong with a spreadsheet. Lol.
DeleteThose are some really nice houses. Because Dasia is bigger than Barbie, I think their furniture is too small. You might need make to make furniture for them. Can't wait to see stories.
ReplyDeleteMs. Leo - That furniture doesn't even work for Barbie. Though these houses work for Barbie, they are designed for much smaller dolls. I will definitelybe making them some new furniture.
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