To put it simply: I didn't want to leave Irene and Richard's place. It's a miracle that I didn't have to be pried from the door hinges.
I wanted to adopt Ernie (their rooster who I'm convinced is a dog in rooster's clothing), was spoilt every day by an abundance of chicken and duck eggs, the perfect location just ten minutes away from beaches and wineries and the chance to feed milk to a baby lamb named Bonnie each day. It was the ideal destination between the bush and coast that stole my heart.
The barn itself was peaceful and the roosters never woke me up. Chickens roam around during the day and there's air conditioning units in the main bedroom and lounge. There's even a Wii controller and plenty of boardgames. Breakfast provisions supplied are bread, spreads, teas, milk and cereals, but with the Mornington Peninsula at your doorstep you'll want to purchase gourmet goodies anyway.
Thank you Richard and Irene – you've made my year and I look forward to coming back.