Helen and Jack are wonderful hosts, they're just so lovely and considerate. And the Critters cottage is fabulous.

When we arrived, we were welcomed with a bottle of organic wine, a lit fire and lots of yummy treats for breakfast the next day. Over the next few days, they checked in to see if there anything we needed and topped up our supplies of eggs, milk, juice, bread, etc. We had some great chats over food deliveries and cups of tea.

The cottage has a great modern design with it's split levels and high ceiling, and is made from a unique mix of materials (mudbrick, wood, metal). It is tastefully (and comfortably) furnished, has an incredibly comfy bed (which we just melted into) with nice linens, and is decorated with pieces from Helen and Jacks eclectic art collection (including own Jack's award-winning photographs). The cottage is separate from the main house so you do feel like you have privacy and enough space to call your own. And, it's surrounded by beautiful forest which is full of singing birds in the day and is beautifully quiet at night. There's no big roads or noisy neighbours to disturb you.

If you're unfamiliar with the Bellingen area, it's really worth a visit. It has a lovely community, some great food (check out #5 Church St and the saturday growers markets) and my very fav health-food store - Kombu! Plus, gorgeous forests, swimming holes, beaches and mountains close by.

Critters would be a perfect getaway for a couple (and it worked just as well for us and our almost 2-year old).

Bellingen actually had 240mm of rain on one of the nights we were there (record level rainfall) but we were dry and warm and cosy inside. No leaks. No damp. And, when we needed an activity for our toddler once the rain stopped, Jack had the stellar idea wheel-barrow rides! A big success!

Overall, this was such a wonderful, relaxing and unique holiday. Our overall experience of staying here was one of quality, and of Generosity. And that made it all the better.

We super-highly recommend Critters and we're already planning our next trip back!