We were pleasantly surprised by Mitch's place. While it isn't a glitzy new build, and hasn't had a big makeover, everything about it just works perfectly as a base for mountain biking.
The bike workshop is fully equipped, right down to a wheel truing stand, and easily big enough to store 6 or more bikes. While we stayed, Mitch was in the process of building a bike wash station and doing some landscaping out the side - complete with installing proper drainage. This should all be finished by now.
There's an enormous washing machine and a tumble dryer, and the bathroom access is right beside the back door, perfect for cleaning up after a muddy ride: wash your bike, park it in the store room, strip off and dump your clothes in the machine outside the back door, walk straight into the shower.
The kitchen has everything you might need for cooking, the only things we missed were an espresso machine and dishwasher. The pantry is well stocked with staples, sauces, spreads and lots of extras - not just dregs left behind by previous visitors, it's clean and well organised. There's a barbecue on the [under cover] back deck, and a fire pit out the front.
The sitting/dining room is quite small, but on the plus side it warms up really quickly with the reverse cycle AC (which is also big enough to heat the whole house effectively if you leave the bedroom doors open).
The three bedrooms are a good size, with comfortable beds and linen. Ample towels are supplied for every guest.
Unlike most places in Derby Mitch provides a TV...and a huge DVD collection...and Netflix and WiFi...even courtesy mobile phone in case your own isn't on Telstra (which is the only network with coverage on the trails)! There's a bookshelf with a mix of fiction, mountain biking books and magazines, local history and information, and a decent collection of board games.
Cleanliness throughout was second to none, and Mitch has taken CovidSafe hygiene precautions to levels most hospitals should aspire to. There is an automated alcohol gel dispenser at the front door and alcohol hand gel in every room, and plenty of cleaning supplies provided.
Communication was great with comprehensive information about the property provided before check-in. Mitch is quick at answering enquiries, and if there's anything you need he often lives at another property nearby and can pop over and help. In person he's relaxed and friendly, happy to have a chat, but won't get in your face at all if you just want privacy.