Here is a gorgeous B & B called Cottonwood Cottage – a stunning space to relax and unwind in beautiful Bellingen, NSW Australia, an inspiring country town on the North Coast of Australia. (Visit www.cottonwoodfarm.com.au) to see this stunning website.
I am lucky to stay in this B & B each time I visit my twin sister and her husband. The style and taste is exceptional and one doesn’t want to step outside the door of this amazing space once you have arrived. Every inclusion has been thought of – every touch placed to perfection.
Suzanne and Daniel Maher, have built Cottonwood Cottage to share their amazing country property with the outside world and the build was a years labour of love. Lorance McLashan, their builder is an absolute perfectionist, clearly demonstrated here.
For many years, Suzanne & Daniel have travelled the world, selling their inspirational cards and books (visit www.affirmations.com.au) and in their downtime have collected the coolest things – books, magazines, art and momentos from Paris and regions of France, Spain, Greece, Italy, Japan and New Zealand – everything you find on the shelves in Cottonwood Cottage has a special place in their hearts. I am sure you will love these too.
The walk-in wardrobe with two long glass shelves, is designed to unpack your clothing on to with french vintage crystal knobs in different designs on the wall to hang clothing. The kitchen is fully equipped and self-contained. Beautiful tiles from Jatana Interiors line the benchtops. On arrival you will be welcomed with a fridge full of nibbles, fresh eggs from a friends farm down the road, fresh bread from Hearthfire Bakery in Bellingen, wine (and they are good at choosing wine!) all to set you up to relax amidst pristine views and the quiet of country life. If you do visit Cottonwood Cottage one day, you will appreciate the fine selection of interior design books and magazines.
I particularly love the full wall of shelving which stores a constantly changing display of much loved collectibles. I must mention the bed. I have never in my life slept on such an exquisite bed – it feels like floating on a cloud.
The wallpaper is a rare historical book called ‘The Book of Palms’ which includes watercolour paintings from an artist who travelled the world by boat for three years in 1623, on an expedition to find and document for the first time, the worlds palm species. The pages were trimmed to create this wallpaper – how stunning and unique!
There is also 400 metres of Never Never River to swim in – fresh water from the mountains and you can even become a member of the ‘Cottonwood Swimming Club’ whilst there. How cool! Sit by the river on colourful lounges and doze to the sounds of rippling water or read and swim in total privacy.
And I MUST mention the bird life, which is growing steadily due to the planting of thousands of trees on the property which adds so much to the scene…You will hear the beautiful sounds of ‘Pukekos’ calling out to each other, ducks quacking and racing over the paddock being chased by Charcoal the resident black rabbit, a cute and funny sight, plus colourful Rosellas come to visit, and of course Charcoal will come to visit you. She’s very social and loves being fed wild bird seed and is up for a cuddle – so CUTE.
Enjoy, if you ever get to experience this dreamy place!