Sophie is an honest and open host who clearly wishes her guests to experience some of the joy that she has derived from living and working in this corner of the world. Right from the onset, Sophie's level of email communication was prompt, clear and professional and she was clearly engaged and willing to answer my 'out loud,' thoughts about what to do in the area in such a short time frame.
Red Tingle Retreat has heart; it is a home with many stories to share I am sure. This wonderful earth rammed property has been dropped in amongst the native flora and fauna delightfully hidden with just the red earthed gravel driveway to guide you. There is plenty of parking on the property including a useful carport. The check in details were simple and accurate and unlike some Airbnbs, I felt immediately comfortable in the space. On entry, we were met with a 'welcome table,' strewn with an array of walking trails, tours and places of interest. Built in cupboards were fondly stacked with a mix of novels, magazines and encyclopedias. The natural light spills into the large open plan living/dining and kitchen which seems to be built around a tactile timber pillar. The kitchen is simply laid out but is surprisingly well stocked and there are enough utensils, pots, pans, kids' plates, mugs, plates and bowls to probably stay a month without using the same thing twice.
Why Red Tingle Retreat? Well for me this is an easy response. If you want to be unplugged from your everyday life for a few days, be enthralled by darts of blue and blurs of brown, grey and red as the little wrens dance on the patio before vanishing into the abundance of trees and bushes, be inspired enough to wake earlier than usual to see the first rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, watch kangaroos in their natural habitat, witness a quokka (*yes, a quokka!) traverse the road in front of you, chill out in the house, trample around the property or head for the Valley of the Giants before sampling some of the local wine and produce, then this is the place for you.
Homely, awesome beds that clearly agreed with me as I slept solidly for a change, a fantastically deep bath, a beautiful natural timber dining table that invites board games, chatter, nibbles and roast dinners with friends and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the moment. Thanks Sophie for enabling others to share a slice of this. We hope to return for sure.