Penguin House is beautifully renovated, simply furnished, clean and full of light. It's in a superb location - close to the river beach for young families, the ocean beach, the paved walk around Lady Bay, Pilkington Point, Thunder Point and the clifftop path. It's also near the astonishing variety of free playgrounds and picnic areas at Lake Petrobe.
Most of our stay was as a couple. Keen walkers, we came without a car. The train from Melbourne takes 3 1/2 hours and was a refreshing change from driving through holiday traffic. James kindly provided a lift to/from the station and took us to get initial groceries. Had he not been available, it looked like the local #5 bus would have worked as it stops across from the station and just a few doors along Stanley St. - less comfortable and convenient but adequate.
To walk to town, the path through Lake Petrobe to Merri St. and the IGA takes 1/2 hour. It's another 10 minutes to Coles. We'd come without a car again.
For the last few days of our stay, our daughter and her toddlers joined us. The house and location continued to be perfect.
James is an incredibly helpful and considerate host. Thanks, James, for the many things you did to ensure we had a memorable vacation!!