After searching countless sites for a gift for my daughter, I came upon this beach house at Mattel.com. It was very nicely priced and included everything an 8 year girl could want, including a two-story layout with many home accessories. She was super excited when she saw the box and even more so, once we set it up. She plays with it for hours at a time. It is one of the grandest doll houses she's had! Mattel was the ONLY place to have this beach house in stock!
This was my daughter's first Barbie house (she is almost 3). It was easy to put together, does not take up much room, and included enough furniture & accessories to keep her interested. The kitchen piece does not connect so it may be more of a challenge to play with if your child is rough on things.
For what I was looking for when purchasing this toy, not too big, I am thoroughly satisfied in it. My daughter loves to play with it and it doesn't take up alot of space in her room. She even picks it all up when done playing.