Remote monitoring can help prevent and mitigate damage due to:

• freezing temperatures
• power outages
• mold
• appliances/heating/cooling left on

The TempStick has been reliable enough. Easy setup and managment of one or more at your location. Simple to set up the alerts that matter to you.

Notes:

• Keep isolated on your IoT (internet of things) wifi network
• only 2.4GHz wireless
• use lithium batteries for freezer/cold weather applications (or just to last longer between changes)
• cloud-based, not particularly security-focused

Simple alerts like “the oven was left on” can be valuable to the cottage owner. The recent interest in solar power has led to some very good power managment products.

My electrician friend recommended Gen 2 Vue Energy Monitor. There are a number of alternatives out there, notably Sense.

For power control, the Ubiquiti USP-Plug-US UniFi Smart Power Plug suffers from having incomplete features. It hasn't proven stable in my use. For IT equipment, I use Web Power Switch Pro Model by Digital Loggers.

The crossing of security and privacy can be a minefield and I hesitate to give recommendations on indoor webcams.

For outdoor applications, Unifi Protect brings together smart doorbells and cameras that integrate with a complete cottage system.

While I'm not a fan of internet-connected door access for my home, Unifi Door Access is a great option that consolidates management.

The GogoGate2 is a decent inexpensive garage door/gate opener, though it is not recommended to use over the internet. MyQ garage door openers integrate with Amazon Key and other services.