“Best nights sleep!”

We arrived Saturday afternoon at 3:15 to find the front door open and Dirk and Pam, our hosts, working in the garden. They were both up to their elbows in top soil as they did Spring planting. Dirk checked us in, showed us the house and took us to our immaculate room. We felt comfortable within seconds. It was like we were family. He showed us the features – including the jetted tub, separate toilet and shower and provided a quick talk on their contribution to the environment by collecting the ‘cold water’ from the shower ‘start’ to water the plants outside our patio door. A black bucket is in the shower and we did our part and watered those newly planted flowers the next morning. They do collect rainwater and are very focused on energy conservation. Our room had everything we needed to make it comfortable including a nice heater and dual electric blankets to warm up the bed before we got in. It was chilly out here in the quiet forest. The room was spotless and the bed perfect with a comfortable high end mattress. Dirk provided recommendations on where to go for dinner and what to see in the area. He recommended some very good wineries, one of which wasn’t even on the map. We both had one of the best nights’ sleeps we’ve had in a long time, with only the squawk of Rodney the Rooster waking us up in the morning. There is absolutely no noise from the other rooms even though the B&B was fully occupied. We were the first ones out for breakfast and found a variety of cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, muesli, tea, juices and ....liquorice allsorts and incredible 'fresh baked muffins' which are always there. It was set up perfectly and offered selections even for those on restricted diets. We helped ourselves and Dirk came out to see how we were doing. Grant finished his cereal and Pam came out to ask him how he wanted his fresh eggs – ‘the hens are laying’. He decided on a mushroom/bacon omelette with toast and was delighted with the result. We were soon joined by the other guests who were also provided with their custom excellent ‘hot’ breakfast selections. As we chatted, the time passed quickly and we suddenly realized it was 10:30. Unfortunately, we had only booked for one night and were heading back up to Perth with clear directions on how to get to the Margaret River Chocolate Co. We’d definitely go back in an instant and certainly stay for more than a single night. Thank you Pam and Dirk!  Grant and Linda, Calgary, Canada, 1/10/09. From TripAdvisor.com, Oct. 16, 2009.

Home is where the heart is

They say "home is where the heart is" - it's a beatuful home with a beautiful heart! Expressions of your heart are everywhere - the garden, the birds and the walks - on the outside. On the inside, the muffins, the omelettes and the family, Amanda, Andrew and Saskia the little jewel.

Thank you for sharing the gems of the Margaret River with us, like the walks and Patricia Negus' gallery and we have appreciated your many kindnesses. Every blessing. Warm regards, Richard and Roxanne, Canberra, 20.10.09.

Cape to Cape Book

A lovely 'surprise' when our original B and B was overbooked! We have very much enjoyed our stay and feel very relaxed. Have appreciated your local knowledge and loan of Cape to Cape book. Thank you for looking after us so well. Dianna and Andrew Smith, UK, 19th October, 2009.

Dianna and Andrew wanted to go for a good walk, after landing in Perth direct from London, getting a car and driving direct to here. They borrowed our book "The Cape to Cape Track Guide Book" and walked from Prevelly, across the Margaret River to Ellenbrook and return (about 18km). Although tired, they had really enjoyed it and after a spa-bath were ready to go into town and have a good meal.

Sarecen Estate Stained Glass

Had lunch at Sarecen Estate with Anne and Joe Hawksworth.  Very pleasant surroundings and good food. I had Bratwurst and Sauerkraut with Dunkle beer. There is a very interesting pagoda with large glass panels with very interesting historical items on wine through the ages, laminated in the glass in a very artistic manner. Our mutual friend John Colley designed the pagoda and the stained glass was done by his artistic friends - the same couple who did the swans at Burswood and the monument on top of Parliament Building in Canbarra.

Rainbow Birds have returned

Spring is in full swing, with our Scarlet Robins building a nest and the arrival of the Rainbow Birds (AKA Bee Eaters). These birds winter in northern Australia and Indonesia, returning each Spring to nest in sandy open banks on the sides of the Margaret River. They make burrows in the sand and nest in the bottom of them, flying out and in at speed so that predators can't see the nest.

B and B vs Tenting

You've made this so easy and relaxing that now we're no longer looking forward to our tent for the remainder of our trip. Thank you for the pleasant stay and the orchid walk. Emily and Tim, Geraldton, 14 Oct 09.

Humungous spa bath - James and Jen

Was absolutely fantastic, breakfast delicious. And I thought your puppy dogs were so very cute. And the spa bath was great, so humungous, and fitted the both of us perfectly, which never happens. The fire place was so cosy too. Could not have picked a better place to share our anniversary. Thanks so much. James and Jen, Stirling and Warramunga, 11th Oct 2009.