Having arrived in Lorne where we would be spending the next month or so. We were able to relax knowing that the long trip across Australia was completed – for now at least.
We enjoyed a good nights sleep in a proper bed and awoke ready to do a whole lotta nothin’ the next day. Sunning ourselves on the beach, having a few swims in the sea and enjoying a slower pace of life suited us quite quickly.
We were able to catch up with James’ uncle Gary and family for a few lovely meals and beach sessions however our more laid back pace extended to our brains and we seemed to forget the camera more often than not.
Before long it was time for us to move away from the relative metropolis of Lorne, to the more secluded Benwerrin. Up a mountain and in a forest, the green and tranquil oasis of the house does not include internet access and hopefully this may go some way to explaining our lack of recent updates.
This is a minor trade off for the place we are lucky enough to call home for the next month however.
The garden is anyone’s dream childhood garden: extensive with room to play; secret paths and nooks and crannies to hide and explore; and some of the best climbing trees I’ve seen!
Inside the house is just as magical, the inside and outside blend together and create a cosy but open space.
Staying with a chef means we have the blessing of a well equipped kitchen and a wealth of knowledge, we’re learning a lot and hope to take some of those delicious recipes home!
We have been very lucky in our bedroom too, having been given the option of the “Honeymoon Suite” with its double height ceilings and huge bed!
Having just had enough time to settle in and enjoy a slower and more static way of life once more it was time for Christmas!
This year it would be hosted in Anglesea at Trish and Rob’s; their daughter Gab had managed to organise the day, with all the family able to bring a dish to the summer feast and the Kris Kringle which is a more competitive Secret Santa! The entire day was wonderful and full of so many laughs (I’m not sure how often Cards Against Humanity is played in a family setting with some members topping 80, but it’s worth it…if not slightly traumatic.) Everyone, as always, made us feel right at home and just like part of the family.
While the people were, as always, so kind and wonderful to us. I think it’s about time we discuss the really important stuff.
The desserts.
It was time to head home and we left full of wonderful food and Christmas cheer. Keen to avoid the tourists and Great Ocean Road traffic that we had experienced on the way to Anglesea, Luke opted to show us an alternative route home.
As mostly unsealed road, and often a 4×4 track at that, the beginning of the journey showed us just why that route was less popular than the Ocean Road. However when we crested a (rather steep) hill and got through the worst of the potholes, the views were unmatched!
Once we made it home it was time for a cup of tea and then to bed having enjoyed our second Aussie Christmas.
Hatti x
What a truly beautiful garden and Merry Christmas everybod! xxx
You certainly looked to have had a lovely Christmas X lots of lovely folk X
The house and gardens are even more beautiful than I imagined X