After the excitement of holidaying in Thailand, our group vowed to get together again and enjoy another getaway-this time somewhere a little closer to home. After a few months of planning we settled on a weekend away on the “South Coast” of NSW. This post is a little late in the making…I mean this happened in January!!! Nonetheless, I’m here to indulge you with a few words and a lot of pictures of our holiday on the South Coast.
I’m not really a “camping under the stars” kinda person. I just prefer the little luxuries when I holiday. And food definitely has to play a role in this equation somewhere. The South Coast of New South Wales has many faces. It’s a blend of mountains, rivers, unspoilt beaches and spectacular wilderness. It’s a wonderful, scenic “2ish” hour drive from Sydney. You’ll see a lot of little towns along the way too. The area is particularly renowned for it’s eclectic craft and antique stores and a thriving artisan food scene.
We chose to stay on a beautiful property on the South Coast named Redleaf. Um, the moment we got out of the car on the sprawling drive way I sort of expected J.R. and Sue-Ellen to appear from Dallas! (you know…the TV show). I thought we had arrived at Southfork! LOL! This place was huge. It’s best described as a French provincial style country home with all the mod cons. There are five bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 20 metre pool in the “backyard”! The property itself is surrounded by beautiful landscaped grounds with protected views over the bush and the coast.
The part that I was most keen on was the cooking. This was going to be my domain. The kitchen on this property had everything you could need. A double oven, dishwasher, a Kitchen Aid mixer…I could go on here but I won’t. It had everything! (including an espresso machine..phew!). We had purchased our groceries from the nearby town before we settled in Redleaf. Some people cannot fathom the idea of going away and wanting to cook. I love it! You see, I’m one of those annoying people who get up at 6 am and start making blueberry muffins for everyone. And then I have to start thinking about lunch! Overall, we enjoyed beautiful meals and everyone got involved in the cooking process. Highlight dishes included kohlrabi and greens pie, souvlaki with home made flat breads and a beautiful butterflied leg of lamb cooked on the gas bbq.
We relaxed. We ate. We relaxed some more. We swam in the beautiful 20 metre lap pool. We drank wine. We lounged on the big sofas and watched “Muriel’s Wedding“. We laughed very loudly when I got bitten by a leach! (not a very pleasant experience…but you have to laugh!).
A lot of us “city folk” felt very relaxed after enjoying our few days away on the geographically stunning South Coast. Sydney is a very hectic city and to be able to chill in a beautiful environment with great friends is a great reward. ”Redleaf” is a beautiful property. If you have a big group of friends and you want to get away for a few days you will not be disappointed.
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great getaway! That place looks fabulous and so peaceful…
Cheers,
Rosa
A fabulous spot and gorgeous photos Peter. I like luxury getaways also, but I don’t mind camping sometimes.
amazing and fab getaway! love the photos!
Those pictures are stunning! You are so lucky to stay in a place like that!
I must do the same sometime.
The pie and muffins look to die for.
You have made me hungry now.
LOx
Gorgeous locale and this could be in cottage country just north of Toronto…mucho relaxing!
Hi P.G. I am sure if you wore that hat J.R. would really be jealous
Wow, what a mansion and your friends are really lucky to have you pampering them with that delicious food.
Beautiful photos as always.
Thanks for taking us on this arnchair journey Peter. Stunning photos as always.
Your photos are incredible! But wait, gasp, you got bitten by a leach? Or sucked on? Do we call leach the same thing Aussies do? Peter, I’d share a vacation home with you any day! I’m dying to make your kohrabi pie too.
Great to hear you enjoyed your stay at Redleaf Peter. Its a pleasure being able to offer people the opportunity to stay in such beautiful properties here on the magical south coast.
I love your travel posts – the photos belong in a travel magazine – they always give me wanderlust!
oh my goodness, this place is really beautiful, and that gorgeous swimming pool makes me very envious of you.
are you going to share the recipe of those lovely blueberries muffins? (I hope so)
ps: love the hats picture.
Oh what a lovely recluse peter! love love the pictures. now i am really looking forward to my own vacation! sending you loads of hugs!
What a great place to cook and relax! I really hope that I will be able to visit Australia one day.
Wow you seemed to have had the perfect Holiday ! I can totally relate to wanting to get away and cook. And in a beautiful place like this, where you are are so much peace and around so much beauty, your creativity and energy would’ve been at another level ! Great now I’m dreaming of a holiday … lol !!
Peter – what a gorgeous place – and your writing and pictures certainly have done this place justice. I would love to go there one day – I just had a look now – it is DOG FRIENDLY with prior approval. I am going to try and book for the bank holiday in August!
What a fantastic getaway! (Except for that leach business). Oh you are making me dream of an Australian holiday!
Peter, these are beautiful photographs. I so get the “get up and make everyone muffins” and think about lunch. If you are still unattached, it’s a crime. Someone is missing out on many levels.
Such a different experience than the last trip. JR would have been there to meet you but he’s busy right now doing a remake of I Dream of Jeannie.
I love the serenity of this type of place and the artisan touring would be so fun.
Thanks…the photographs are just absolutely gorgeous.
I want to go on vacation with you, if you do all the cooking!!!! Looks like a splendid time!
I love the South Coast! But now it’s a bit far for me to get to.
Some fab shots in the article, Peter! My favourite is the darker one with soft light from the door.
Awesome Snaps..
My cousin recommended this website, you have awesome blogs. Thanks for the useful info.
What an spectacular property and the landscape is breathtaking. I need such a vacation! A couple of friends of mine traveled to Australia about a month ago and they loved it.
Your photography is amazing Peter. When is your book coming out?
Magda
You have really captured the magic in these photos. The room slowed down, my breath slowed down. They are beautiful and peaceful and edifying.
Valerie
looks beautiful & quiet … you seemed to have captured the essence of it beautifully!