I don’t normally write such a stellar review for any AirBnB accomodation - but this one is definitely the exception. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or just to get away from the city on a peaceful retreat, this place plan is not often available but is the best place within the area. There are so many great details about this place that I don’t know where to start. Firstly, when people think of the word ‘barn’, quite often the image of an agricultural building to house livestock, equipment or fodder comes to mind. However this cosy cottage seems more like an elegant collector’s museum, hidden in the middle of the forrest with a beautiful mountain view. As soon as I had arrived, both Joseph and Pauline and given me a quick tour of the housing, taking time to explain about the essentials. I could instantly tell how much effort they had put in to make my stay pleasant. E.g. The heater was already turned on, ready for my arrival. They had also hand-written a tailored letter for me before I had arrived, while supplying me with complementary wine, milk and even snacks such as chocolate, potato chips and protein bar(which saved my so much time from visiting the store to buy them myself). They were worried that I didn’t have anything to eat at night, so they even cooked me a warm home-cooked dinner meal of wild rice, cabbage potatoes, spicy sausage, black pudding and sprouts.
Description of the home: My favourite part of the room would be the area where the beautiful view was directly facing the beautiful trees and mountain, so I could read my book and use my laptop peacefully. The place was decorated with artefacts and books from all over the world, each with a sentimental story from their lives during their travels. The wall paintings have been frames that are personally crafted with materials, thoughtfully created with a 3D angle to accentuate the picture they hold. Elegant indoor lamps were replaced in every corner of the room besides cosy chairs draped with blankets. There were wooden instruments from Indonesia, miniature Chinese plates, wooden sculptures from Thailand as well as indigenous Australian walls scrolls and cushions. During the night, the room was warm and cosy and the light sound of water dropping onto the roof was therapeutic. In the morning, you could sit on the balcony and appreciate the beautiful views of Mount Donna Buang. There was even a work desk so I can focus on my project on my laptop.
Description of the outside:
Just outside the building, there is a comfortable wooden swing chair, surrounded by plants and flowers surrounded by wind chimes. There is also a separate swing chair shelter, with comfortable hammock hanging air chairs for you to relax, nap or read your book. The shelter has been resourcefully made from material that had been discarded and repurposed nicely. I drank wine with both Joseph and Pauline in this room while getting to know them personally. There are three heritage lampposts of historical significance placed around the property, which were transported from England which you can ask about. Interesting sculptures are placed all over the property, made from recycled material. From the back yard, there is a pathway that leads you to the top of the green hill. There is one photo on this AirBnB listing which shows you that hill facing the mountains, however this picture doesn’t do it justice. There is so much space that you would have to actually stand there to appreciate the natural things God has created.
Description of the hosts:
Joseph and Pauline went out of their way to make sure everything was okay and I had all the supplies I needed to feel comfortable, while also giving me the privacy and space that I needed. There needs to be a short video about how the resourcefulness of Pauline and Joseph as it’s quite inspirational.. They would even offer to provide me a meal if I didn’t have anything to eat. It’s the kind of warm hospitality that is difficult to find nowadays, that was more common decades ago when the world felt smaller and possibly still exists now but only within small tight-knit communities that care closely for one another. I had a unique dream when I woke up in the morning (which I had to write down as soon as I woke up so that I wouldn’t forget), so I feel that there must be something spiritual and even nostalgic about this place. This place is not always available on AirBnB and I can see why it’s the only place that has maintained a 5-star rating. There was so much more I cold write about. Thank you both!