An aura of good will
As someone who enjoys being in nature, but isn’t really into doing things that maintain it, like gardening, I wasn’t sure this place was for me. Scrolling through all the images, and there seemed many, it was pretty clear plant life was a big thing for Jude and Michel, and I had images of getting bailed up for a 3 hour conversation about chemicals poisoning the food chain every time I tried sneaking out of the bungalow.
But the pictures also intrigued me. The gardens did look pretty impressive, and I saw they were featured on ABC TV. It also looked like the kind of genuine and organic Byron Bay experience I was going there to find. What did I have to lose? I hit submit.
What a relief all my fears were unfounded. I feel very lucky to have this place. Jude and Michel were nothing but hospitable, And I enjoyed chatting with them about the local history, and their place in it. I’m reluctant to detail all the nice fruit, vegetable, bread, eggs, and meals Michel left outside my door, always, when I saw him, with an explanation about where in South America the berries and cherries originated from, if it was Japanese or Tahitian spinach. They both have encyclopaedic info about the countless thousands of species planted throughout the gardens, a mini forest in parts, with paths cutting through, and a guest garden to sit in.
But if you also wish to be left alone, as I mostly did, you will. I stayed 2 weeks for work, and found the very large space, which I worked in every day, comfortable and conducive to solitude and rest. A fun easygoing stay. Bed was comfortable, some essentials - oil, muesli, coffee etc- in pantry, 20 minute walk to town, 10 minutes max to the always warm estuary behind Tallows Beach. 2 minute walk to pizza restaurant. Some Air b and b’s can feel a bit ruthless. But the main thing glowing over this place is an aura of good will. Looking forward to a return visit.