If you need to unwind, relax, reconnect with nature, or get some serenity and solitude, then this is the perfect place for you! I did this recently and had the best two days - getting away from the hustle and bustle of my regular life in the city and allowing me to clear my head and do a little soul searching.
I even put on 'do not disturb' on my phone for the most part! Bliss 💛
The photos are true to what you get, you are surrounded by gorgeous countryside, mountains in the distance, in a lovely, little (but spacious) cottage with cute and well maintained gardens (some edible!) adding vibrance and splashes of colour. You are far away enough from neighbours to feel real solitude. You can finally 'hear' nature - the wind tickling the leaves of the giant gums and bamboo, the birds singing their different songs, and the many cows mooing. As you are by the road, you can hear cars going past but it is not offensive because the traffic is not regular given it's not a highway or major thoroughfare. It's a nice reminder from time to time that life is still going on while you are on your little bubble. Time really does stand still in the countryside. You somehow gain more minutes in the hours allowing you more things to do in the day and a better chance for relaxing and taking it all in.
The cottage is roomy and airy with lots of windows that let you look out into nature from every angle. It's gorgeously presented with all the items you need for a comfortable stay. There is a fireplace inside for the cooler months which I didn't need to use but I made great use of the outdoor one. There's something so special about sitting out having your meal by the fire, under the stars 🤩
You can also have your bath under the stars at night! A magical experience. I enjoyed the outdoor showing looking out at the gorgeous scenery that never gets old no matter how many times you stare at it. The shower is divine! Hot water comes quickly and with great coverage.
They use a compost toilet in an outhouse set back from the house. I never thought this would ever be possible to say...but the outhouse is pleasant - it doesn't smell bad, in fact, it even smells nice thanks to the sawdust they use, I'm guessing. If you can handle an outhouse, then look no further than this property. You will love your stay!
Fiona was attentive and responded quickly, even letting me check in earlier if I wanted. During the stay, she thoughtfully informed me via text that the shrieking sound was a wondering fox and not to worry. I didn't see the fox, and sadly didn't see the koalas that are resident to the area, but I did see a wallaby one morning outside my window, and another on my countryside walk in the area which is another lovely way to pass the time.
Fiona has great tips for things like this in her Welcome Book.
Knowing Fiona was nearby and my Vodafone phone reception worked made me feel extra safe being on my own. But there was a certain peacefulness to the property that made you automatically feel safe anyway!
I can't recommend this place enough! Get out to Stony Chute and have the nourishing getaway you (and your soul) deserve!