All the elements were there for us to make a home in Bicheno, if only for a few days. Exactly how we like to live while traveling – in a tidy, thoughtfully furnished and well-equipped house within walking distance to food and provisions in a comfortable community. It was more than that, however, because Wendi and Mike made it so. Their personal touches and design decisions in the home and the garden made it a particularly cheerful experience – quality in the finishes, bedding, equipment and housewares; cookies, jams, bread and butter; fresh flowers and a warm wood fire! They personally welcomed us, but otherwise retreated to their own home next door, available if needed. They had very useful feedback to our questions about local activities and sites, with great communication throughout. We came up from Hobart, spending the day on Maria Island, and arriving in the early evening, which was a very manageable day. From Bicheno it was easy to get to Freycinet and many vineyards. We also took a day to drive to Ross and could easily have added Woolmer Estate and other sites to that day, perhaps even a brief look through Launceston. Our 4 days there were comfortably full, and Whale Cottage was the perfect place for respite and recharging. I want to go back!