What can I say? I rarely go back to the same place twice, especially not in a short time frame. This was my second stay in the Church at Barongarook in the space of three months, and I'm plotting to return! This place is just so peaceful, so perfectly proportioned, with everything you need and nothing you don't. Everything is perfect except the things that aren't, and those are just wonderful as well. Sitting on the floor in front of a crackling fire, try finding a straight, flat floorboard to put your wine glass down on so it won't wobble. But the floorboards are part of the history of the church, and if they weren't worn to wobbliness it wouldn't be right.
The space inside is beautifully presented and a wonderful place to be, but don't underestimate the loveliness outside. You have your own park-like grounds, complete with benches, fire place and bird feeders. Space for picnics, cook ups, cricket, or birdwatching, snoozing, and reading. It is secluded and private and the peace and quiet is sublime, punctuated only by birdsong and the occasional farm animal from over the road.
Communication with the hosts is excellent, and they had the good grace to accommodate multiple covid related changes of plan.
If you can drag yourself away, the rail trail goes right by the front door, the waterfalls and walks of the Otways are 30 minutes down the road, Colac is 10 minutes away for supplies, and the Great Ocean Road is just under an hour. Just make sure you're back in time for an afternoon nap and to get the fire going so you can sit and sip and watch the colours change around you. Bliss.