The Birches Housekeeping Cottages consists of six standard cottages and two executive cottages. I’ve had the pleasure of staying in both the standard and the executive, multiple times.

Location of The Birches Housekeeping Cottages

The Birches are in Alexandra (near Stratford), Prince Edward Island. Location and contact info:
The Birches Housekeeping Cottages
1517 Pownal Road
Alexandra, PEI, C1B 0P7
1-902-940-3915 | 1-800-463-4293
birchescottages@gmail.com
www.thebirchescottages.ca

The Birches are an easy 7-10 minute drive from Charlottetown, and the rural setting is peaceful and quiet. Though on the southern side of the island, like Charlottetown, it’s still incredibly easy to visit all the must-see north shore attractions like the resort town of Cavendish and Brackley Beach.
Of course, it’s location is prime for touring the city of Charlottetown and points farther east, such as Montague and Panmure Island.

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There are many conveniences a few minutes’ drive away, such as a large grocery store, multiple pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and fast food.

One other nice thing, a short drive straight down the road, are two lovely beaches.
Tea Hill Park is a smaller beach with a playground and park area. The other is a small beach with a parking lot. This beach is a bit nicer than Tea Hill and usually isn’t too busy. It’s more of a local beach than a tourist beach, and sometimes that is nice.

Arriving at The Birches

You’ll know you’ve arrived, from the sign at the driveway entrance. As you slowly make your way in and around the loop, you’ll quickly understand how The Birches got its name. Silver and white birch trees dot the grounds, and a small pond sits to the left of the driveway.

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The lower loop is where you’ll find the six standard cottages. The driveway on the left continues straight past these cottages, continuing a short distance up behind them. Up here, you’ll find the executive cottages tucked out of the way yet out in the open, as there are no trees around them. What you do notice right away is the view of the Northumberland Strait. On a clear night with a full moon, it’s delightful.

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Now to find your cottage! The owners use a unique system, the colour of the shutters.
I’ve stayed in the green cottage, and the Yellow cottage (both standard). I’ve also stayed in the rose and the grey cottages (both executive).

When you arrive, you can head on in and make yourself at home! A set (or two) of keys will be on the table.

Amenities

All the cottages have two bedrooms, except for the green one, which has three. Each has varying sleeping arrangements, but generally, one room has a queen bed, and the other room/s have two beds (twins or double/twin).
All cottages have a full bathroom, kitchen, and living area, with cable television. They also have a screened-in porch and a barbeque.

There is a telephone for local calls and complimentary wifi. Bed linens provided, there are towels and facecloths, and the cupboards have dishes and utensils. You only need to shop for groceries! There is a Sobeys grocery store a few minutes away.

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Executive Cottages

The executive cottages feature a few extras that I like. First, they are more spacious (especially the bathroom) and have a distant view of the ocean. There are a washer and dryer, a heat pump, and a dishwasher.

I found them to be brighter and more ‘open’ because of the patio doors and full windows. Don’t expect the modern decor you’d get with a new build. All the cottages are more simply decorated, with odds and end pieces that appear to be straight from the antique shop or local garage sale. However, it works. There is a certain quaintness or charm. Well suited, I say, to the rural setting of PEI.

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My Thoughts Overall

I’ve stayed at The Birches Housekeeping Cottages for the past 5 or 6 years, a couple of times each summer. We travelled for sports, and now my son is getting older, he is not in PEI as often.

My most recent visit was in August when I travelled with my mom and aunts. We were all happy and satisfied with our cottage. Liz and Randy have made it as easy as possible to enjoy your stay, with everything you need. All you need to do is pack your clothes and toiletries, and any other personal items you want. You can get groceries after you arrive or eat out at some great places around the island during your stay.

We did a combination, getting groceries for our morning meals, snacks, and a few lunch/dinner options. We ate out a few times while we were exploring the island (See my Gahan House review).

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If you need fresh towels and facecloths, leave the dirty ones in the laundry basket on the screened-in porch. If there is anything else you need, don’t hesitate to contact Liz. We needed an extra blanket for the bed and were able able to ask the housekeeper as she was cleaning the cottage next door. Otherwise, we would have called Liz.

How to Book

If you’re looking to book your stay or want more information, you can check out The Birches website. They have contact info and form on the website. Alternatively, they can be found on Airbnb and booked this way as well.

If you like a more private location, this may be the perfect place. I’m happy to answer questions in the comments.