Country Lane Dollhouse Kit FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

I’ve had a handful of people ask about the Country Lane since I started my build and I couldn’t find a single other resource online answering the basics, so I put together this FAQ. I’ll keep updating it as I get further into the build and I receive more questions.

What is the Country Lane dollhouse kit?

The Country Lane is a front-opening dollhouse kit from Real Good Toys, made from smooth MDF. It’s part of their 1 inch (1:12) scale lineup and includes two rooms and an attic.

What scale is it?

1 inch scale, which is the same as 1:12, the most common dollhouse scale. That means all your standard 1:12 miniatures, furniture, and dolls will fit right in. If you’re new to scale and want to double check what fits, use my Miniature Scale Converter.

How big is the finished house?

15 3/8″W x 17 1/4″D x 30 1/2″H, including the front steps.

What’s included in the kit?

• Pre-cut, precision-engineered parts
• A fully assembled front door with interior trim
• Interior and exterior window trim
• Raised panel shutters
• Flower boxes
• A staircase
• Sturdy hinges and a magnetic closure
• Wooden roof shingles
• Step-by-step instructions with detailed drawings
• The option to remove the roof: you can glue the roof down entirely, or use only one side of the crown so the roof lifts off, giving you a removable roof

What’s NOT included?

Paint, glue, electric hardwiring, landscaping, and furnishings. You’ll want to budget for those separately (I’ll be sharing exactly what I used in a future post).

Is it front-opening or back-opening?

Front-opening, which makes it easier to access the interior for decorating and photos once it’s built.

Does it come pre-wired for electricity?

No, but Real Good Toys sells a compatible wiring kit if you want to add lighting. I’m adding electrical to my build using tape wire and will be documenting that process.

How accessible is the attic?

That depends on how you build the roof. You have the option to glue the roof down entirely for a permanent seal, or to use only one side of the crown so the roof lifts off instead. I designed mine with the removable option on the left, so I have full access to the attic whenever I want it.

Is the Country Lane good for beginners?

Absolutely. The only “advanced” piece is adding the hardware. Outside of that, it’s like everything else in this hobby: just take your time and read through the instructions a few times before you start.

How much does it cost?

At the time of writing, it’s listed at $169. Real Good Toys often runs spotlight sales on individual dollhouses along with weekly and monthly deals site-wide, so it’s worth checking back if you want to catch it at a discount.

What tools do I need to build it?

Here’s what I’ve personally used so far: a Ryobi sander (for sanding after priming the walls, floors, and roof), sandpaper sheets for the smaller trim pieces (a pinch method works well since the batten is so tiny), Aleene’s Tacky Glue for assembly, masking tape (both to hold pieces in place while glue sets and to label parts), and a Sharpie for labeling. I’ll keep updating this list as I move further into the build.

How long does it take to build?

It took me roughly 3 weeks to build the dollhouse working on it roughly 3 hours per day – let’s estimate 36 hours. Keep in mind, the process is slow to build because of the amount of time it takes for the glue and paint to dry. Enjoy the slow build!

Where can I buy it?

Directly from Real Good Toys.

Watch the full Country Lane Dollhouse Build