Yallumbee in Balnarring was the perfect space for our mini-break!
Our hosts, Annie and Andrew, who were very prompt to respond during the booking & confirmation process, greeted us personally at the commencement of our stay and shared local tips, walk tracks, beach shortcut and insider foodie picks, which were spot on and much appreciated. The accomodation, large in dimensions, yet still cosy in feel, was spotlessly clean on arrival, and included so many extra thoughtful touches. The space itself has been relatively recently completed (including modern sparkling bathroom), but full of charm & character (with lofty ceiling gables & expert interior decorating/touches) and completely sympathetic to its environs. Wifi was good; bed was exceedingly comfortable, with quality linens and excellent individual overhead lamps for reading; lovely new bathroom with handy heated towel rack and extra towels for inside plus pool/beach towels; smart tv w/ Netflix; lovely rear deck with chairs for a quiet sundowner drink (overlooking the pool and the enormous pizza oven - neither of which we used during our short stay unfortunately, but were invited to make use of); and a great kitchenette, complete with toaster, kettle, microwave, crockery, cutlery, stemware, a small fridge (with fresh milk & dish of butter - so very thoughtful, chocolate treats), and other extras such as vegemite, honey, twinnings tea bag assortment and capsules for the all-important Nespresso coffee machine! The compendium is put together well with full & thorough instructions, directions & helpful suggestions. There was a wall mounted split system, which we didn’t need to use, but imagine it would be perfectly adequate and only add to the comfort when in use. The couch is a comfy spot to work, read or watch tv, and there are lots of hooks, shelves, benches and a hanging rail so that you’re able to put your things up out of the way, and a small central table and chairs at which to work or eat, bathed in natural light during the day. The location is great! A quick rear shortcut to the beach for strolls or to the lovely general store; approx 25m on foot to the Balnarring village (can recommend Phase 2 cafe for all day breakfast or lunch!), Post Office, take away food, newsagent, bakery, pharmacy, through to a great IGA store, upmarket furniture & interiors store, couple of great restaurants (including the well-run Otzi of the Red Hill-based Epicurean Group, which also includes the wonderful Johnny Ripe!), and all with plenty of parking on site/close by. The local beaches were a joy to walk, and at the time we were visiting, ample close parking for those beyond the immediate walking distance of Balnarring/Merricks beach shores. There’s so much to do in the immediate area and the greater Peninsula (walks, beaches, Arthur’s Seat, dairy/cheese, wineries - including Mainridge Estate, where you cannot beat their tasting and value-packed set menu at $55/head for lunch - outstanding!) All in all we regretted only that we couldn’t stay longer, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend highly to all! We would absolutely request of our friendly hosts another stay should we be fortunate enough to be down that way again. Thanks again Annie & Andrew for a great stay! (Enjoy having your daughter home!)