We arrived in Sydney at the very start of the worldwide restrictions imposed as a result of Coronavirus (Covid-19). The day before our flight to Sydney we were informed by the Australian Authorities that we would need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Jean was fantastic and so helpful with these restrictions, communicating quickly and positively. You just could not ask for a better AirBnb host. When we arrived at the Caretaker’s Cottage it was perfect. You could smell how clean it was the moment you walked through the door – this was especially reassuring given the circumstances.
If you have to self-isolate for 14 days, we couldn’t have picked a better place! The Caretaker’s Cottage has everything you need. A very comfortable bed, stylish interior, lovely veranda overlooking the small garden and park beyond, all neatly tucked away in a corner, away from the main roads and yet only a 15-minute drive from the airport. If you are visiting relatives in Sydney, I honestly could not think of a better place to stay than in Jean’s Caretaker’s Cottage. The Cottage is small but not cramped. I was a bit concerned that the mezzanine bedroom wouldn’t have enough storage for the luggage we had brought to last us a month but there was plenty of room. We weren’t allowed out to restaurants, but the kitchen area provided plenty of room for the stockpile of food we were brought and cooking was a pleasure in the open plan space. The downstairs shower room/utility worked perfectly. Even though we were confined to the space we didn’t feel claustrophobic because the garden and the park beyond was a window where we could watch the world go by but still retain our privacy. As to the hosts, Jean and Terry, totally delightful people. Open and friendly but not intrusive, even though their home adjoins the cottage they respected our space and only came if needed or invited. Jean was especially kind and helpful.
As the travel bans imposed by Governments became more restrictive, we had to make the tough decision to return to the UK. We only managed 5 of our 10 days booked stay in the Caretaker’s Cottage, it was such a sad situation. However, we will be returning to Sydney one day and there is only one place I would consider booking – The Caretaker’s Cottage in Marrickville!!