I chose Rae's place after reading her many positive reviews and found them all true. I had decided to attend Bellingen's Readers and Writers' Festival the day before it began, yet when I arrived barely 24 hours after my booking, I felt as if my arrival was long awaited.

Rae met me at the airport (she will also return me there in four days at a fraction of the cost of a taxi) and pointed out places of interest along the way, giving me a brief history of Bellingen and the area during the 30 minutes ride.

My program was hectic and I was without a car so I particularly appreciated the lifts that Rae offered. Nothing seemed too much to ask: after I devoured the basket of freshly laid eggs (by hens that I can see through my kitchen window) and had to ask for more; they appeared. She urged me to forage from the herb bed right outside my door.

On the first morning Rae took me to the local organic market to get supplies and we ended up sitting down for a coffee to enjoy four exceptional musicians playing a variety of instruments and singing songs of the 70s as well as their own composition. Coming from Sydney, I was impressed by the talents in this small town.

Four days flew by and I was reluctant to leave this home away from home. I wish I had time to get to know my hosts. Thank you, Rae and Simon for easing the rigours of travel, the spaciousness of the accommodation, the excellent library, the generous gifts of good food, the lifts to, from and around town and the caring concern in making my stay a comfort.

I have no hesitation in recommending this place - for singles, couples or families.