One thing you need to understand is a cottage is a whole new set of maintenance. Only this time it's not just sitting in your driveway so you can do it after work. Generally speaking every weekend you have to go there to cut the grass, then there's another yard full of leaves to be raked in the fall, as well as routine maintenance like window cleaning, shrubs to trim, gutters to clean, etc. Most times it also means there is a docks to put in and take out (this is not a one man job), boats that have to be winterized, and more.
Now I say all those not to discourage you, just so you know going in a cottage is not all a vacation on the beach. You're grandkids will have a blast, you'll spend some time fishing and at least a day every weekend doing chores. I tell you this from experience.
