We loved the spa bath!

We went to Margaret River for a long weekend away from Perth and my boyfriend kept the accomodation details a surprise. What a great surprise it was! Loaring Place has friendly attentive staff who are always keen for a chat and are happy to offer reccommendations for lunch and dinner venues. The room was clean, luxurious and roomy. We loved the spa bath! Breakfast was delicious and relaxed served outside on the patio, with fresh eggs from the chooks that live around the side of the house. I hope we can stay here again next year! 


nosila14, Date of stay November 2009, Tripadvisor, Nov 11, 2009

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Comfy bed ++

Great location
Friendly hosts
Great breaky- fresh fruit, local jams and bacon and eggs if you wanted.
Spacious rooms
Comfy bed ++
Spa bath- perfect to enjoy a glass of champagne at night
Value for money (we stayed mid week which was cheaper than the weekend rate)

The first B & B that we have stayed at and would (and have already) highly recommend Loaring Place to others.

Travelleroo, November, Tripadvisor, Nov 17, 2009 

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  • Value
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• Date of stay November 2009

Multiple jams from the local berry farm

Essentially, I agree with all the positive comments posted by other reviewers. In particular, the superbly comfortable bed with loads of pillows/cushions and the friendly/helpful owners. The multiple jams from the local berry farm were all delicious.

The lack of servicing was a surprise to us (pretty well unheard of in a UK B and B), but wasn't a problem for our 4 night stay. Also the “no food in the rooms” policy meant no morning cup of tea in bed (the well-equipped large communal area enabled us to have afternoon tea with lovely home-made muffins).

The one really negative point (though not serious enough to stop me giving a 5 star rating) was the lack of storage space for clothes. The room had a hanging rail with 5 coat hangers, but no drawers at all. The shelf over the hanging rail had a spare quilt on it, so could hardly be used. The bedside tables were exactly that – small tables without shelves or drawers. There were some small cupboards in the bathroom – not really suitable for clothes. JohnL45, Somerset, UK, October.  Tripadvisor, Nov 18, 2009

My ratings for this hotel

• Value
• Rooms
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Randburg, South Africa

Will and Edna were so exhausted after visiting Jewel Cave they were unable to get up before breakfast and take Casey for a walk.  They have been checking out the place with the view to retiring in WA. 14-15/12/09.

Summer Cicadas have come out

You know it is summer when cicadas start ticking.

Holly and Fir Trees Pictures - Kerstgroet

Dag Dirk en Pam,

Een heel mooi kerstfeest en Gods zegen voor het nieuwe jaar.

Hartelijke groet,

Nico en Katie.
Holland

Nico and Katie stayed at Loaring Place B&B some months ago and sent some pictures of what is needed to make a real Christmas.

Newcastle tragic

Dear Dirk and Pam, Thanks for an especially wonderful second stay!. As always your hospitality is very much appreciated. Such a lovely "Home from Home". Thanks also for the encouragement for Newcastle - keep the faith Dirk!. Best wishes for 2010, The Wallaces and David. 9-14th December 2009.

Discow for the Perth Christmas Pageant

Discow is off to Perth. Rock Sand has completed her cow and it is now on its way to Perth where it will take part in the Xmas Pageant this Sunday. The cow will come back to Margaret River and join 79 other cows in the Cape to Cape Cow Parade from March to June next year.

Rock Sand has left Margaret River for a while as she travels to Bali and Cambodia and wherever takes her fancy. She has to come back as she has left her paints here. How we are going to cope without her I don't know as she has been an incredible help to us in the B&B.

If you can get to the Fibonacci Center this Saturday you will have a chance to pick up the last of Rock Sand Clay's stained glass work.

Laundry Delivery

This is Steve from Bunbury Steam Laundry who delivers all the crisp linen for our rooms and takes it away, where it then goes to Perth for cleaning.

Absolutely wonderful retreat

An absolutely wonderful weekend retreat. Hospitality and breakfasts superb!! Thank you so much Dirk and Pam. Looking forward to our return very, very soon. Cheers, Leanne and Leisha, Duncraig, WA. 29/11/09

Wondeful experience - in Japanese

It was a wonderful experience for us. Thank you very much, Takashi and Kana, Singapore/Japan, 28/Nov/09.

Leeuwin Lighthouse wins tourism award

SW tourism winner a leading light at awards

CHRISTIANA JONES, The West AustralianNovember 23, 2009, 5:28 am

WAN / Danella Bevis ©

It may conjure thoughts of a solitary life but for Paul Sofilas being the manager and guide of Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse has seen him celebrated for sharing the Cape Leeuwin building's heritage with about 90,000 people each year.

The manager and guide of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was just one of the winners at the weekend's Western Australian Tourism Awards, which acknowledge the State's best tourism service providers and event holders.

Mr Sofilas, who lives at the cottages at Cape Leeuwin and manages the 113-year-old lighthouse, received the Golden Guide Award in front of 820 people at the Burswood ballroom on Saturday night.

Other winners included the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association, which was awarded the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism for a second time.

Beautiful scenery

Thanks to Dirk and Pam, we have had a lovely stay, restful, lovely hospitality and beautiful scenery. Rosalind and David, Perth, 23/11/09

Peacetree Pineau to die for

Jane Tucker from Peacetree Estate produces some marvelous preservative-free wines that we all love. We bought 1 1/2 cases of SSB, a case of 05 Cab Merlot, a case of 04 Shiraz and a case of 2008 Tempranillo. The Tempranillo has just been released, and she reluctantly let me have a case, as that represented 1/30th of her stock. It was only on the promise that I would put most of it down for a few years, that she let me have it. It is a beautifully complex wine with the characteristic fruity flavour that I so love.

But she has just bottled a Pineau, A white wine with 2 year old brandy and aged in oak. It is real heaven in a glass. We could only have a taste as the bottles had not been labelled, but as soon as they are ready, we are going to get a couple of bottles. The wine makes a beautiful apperitif (22% alcohol) and has an amazing balance of sweetness and acidity, with a subtle butterscotch flavour.

Jane, Pam and Jo, with Jo carrying her stock of SSB

The empty barrel and two demijohns filled to the top with Pineau. These will be placed in a sunny spot to "mature" in a "traditional" way for a year. Seems an awful lot of good liquer to go to waste if the experiment fails?

Jane in her winery is an absolutely enthusiastic wine maker. Their 2009 stock is rapidly running out, so you better get in quick if you want any. The entire bottling of the 09 Pineau is on the right, waiting to be labelled and boxed. That definitely will not last long. Order at www.peacetreeestate.com.

Flower Girls

Pam, Jill and Dee arranging flowers for a dinner with Premier Colin Barnett as speaker. The dinner was at the new Convention Centre in Margaret River and Colin Barnett spoke very well, outlining some of the things that are happening in the region.

Difficult to leave

We had a wonderful stay, it is difficult to leave. Thank you for the delicious breakfast and wonderful hospitality. Loved the room's decor, just my taste and the spa was an added luxury. Thanks Dirk and Pam for a most enjoyable weekend. We will recommend this little gem to our friends. Thanks, Cara and Adam, Perth, 22/11/09

Beautiful Retreat

Thank you very much for your kind hospitality - We have had a lovely stay in this beautiful retreat. Julie and Karen, Perth and Warwickshire, UK. 21/11/09

Forest Stay

Well we wanted a "forest stay" and that is exactly what we got - it was wonderful. Neil McLeod's day tour was a super recommendation - his farm tour to see the "roos" was a lovely extra! Thank you Dirk for your hospitality. Your B&B is really special.  Hazel and Duncan, UK, 20th Nov. 09.

Faboulous Stay

Thanks so much again - we had a fabulous stay. See you again soon. Anne and Brian, Perth, WA. 19/11/09

Anne and Brian spent 3 nights here with their NZ guests Mike and Barb.  They really enjoyed driving through the Boranup Forest with the roof of their convertible down.  They visited many wineries and took home a great stock of wines. A new winery they visited and really enjoyed was Cavalier Crest.

Lovely Location

Very lovely location, and great hospitality, will recommend to my NZ friends coming this way. Mike and Barb, New Plymouth, New Zealand, 19/11/09.

Coy Cows and a Classic Cowaramup Garden

Pam up close and personal with some holsteins that are waiting to get dressed up and perform at the Cow Parade next year

A great group entertained the crowds that visited this Open Garden in Cowaramup.

Apart from beautiful gardens around the house, the property had three dams so there was plenty of water, which made Pam very envious.

Yummy muffins

Thank you so much. Loaring Place has been an incredibly nurturing time for us both. From awakening to the sounds of the bush right outside our doorstep, to the calming classical music accompanying the love-filled breakfast made to order. What a selection of fruits and yummy muffins too!!  Through to an evening spa designed for two. Loved every moment and Dirk, you have been amazing. Cheers for accomodating all our needs and requests. Indigo and Odette. 17 Nov 2009.

Old friends and colleagues

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this very pleasant environment and thanks to Dirk we "met" many old friends and colleagues. Thank you so much! Hennie, Wout and Jurriaan Feijth, 16 Nov. 2009.

Wout and Hennie lived in Seria and Miri (Borneo) and Jurriaan grew up there. Many of their friends from that time moved to Perth and I worked with them at various times. These included Jan Van Niel, Henk Barten and Ho Kiam Fui, but also Douglas Bruce and others.

THE TRUE GOURMET BREAKFAST

We chanced upon this place and are absolutely delighted with this precious find. Dirk's hospitality, friendly Casey and the rest of the crew mad this stay especially memorable and not to forget, the true gourmet breakfast with homemade toast and muffins. YUM! Thank you! Best. Evelyn and Eric, Singapore, 16 Nov 2009

Wallcliffe House Open Garden

Wallcliffe House was built by the Bussells on the edge of the Margaret River very close to Prevelly Beach in 1865.  It has been restored and a new guest wing and gardens have been build by Rose and Michael Chaney. The gardens were opened to the public today (and tomorrow) with funds going to the local FES. Rose took her gardener with her to Europe to plan the new gardens. The Alhambra in Spain was one of the inspirations. The result is one of the best gardens we have ever seen.

Five weeks to get to Brisbane

Had the most wonderful time here. Other guests made pleasant converastion. Great place to stay. Definitely worth a mention to thers. Thank you so much. Carol and Mick, No fixed abode, 14/11/09.

Carol and Mick are kiwis who have made their money in WA, packed there house and put it into storage and now heading to Queensland somewhere to start something new, but also Qld is closer to their grandkids back in NZ.  But they don't want to go back there though.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day and what a place to remember!  We had a lovely stay and enjoyed all the very helpful hints and stories along the way. Thankyou. Sam, Jess and Libby, Brisbane, QLD, 11/11/09

Pam's Sweet Peas

Pam is very proud of her sweet peas, growing on our table grape trellis. We had to put chicken wire all around the trellis to stop the kangaroos from eating the vines.

Discow beginings

RockSand has started work on her cow for the Cow Parade that will be held next year. At this stage it is all smoke and mirrors but soon will have black patches, fancy feet and alluring eyes. The cow parade will see over 60 cows in many guises located from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, so you will have to stay at Loaring Place B&B if you want to see them all.

Three days is is far too short

What a nice place to enjoy and live close to nature!  We have been very well looked after and we need to come back soon - 3 days is far too short.  Many thanks!  Kerstin and Hans, Singapore and Sweden, 3/11 09.

Guide dog Casey

Thanks so much for a most enjoyable stay. We particularly enjoyed the walk around the property with our guide Casey. We will certainly recommend Loaring B and B to anyone who is visiting Margaret River. Warmest regards, Brian and Helen, Brisbane, 30-10-09

Tranquil Setting

Many thanks for a warm welcome and loverly stay in such a tranquil setting. We will recommend you to any of our friends who may venture down under. Tom and Caroline, Surrey, UK, 27 Oct 09

“Perfect place to relax and recover”

Because of the bad and cold weather, we decided to go to a b&b-place instead of camping.
Loaring place was a very good decision to stay in - it was beautiful with a very nice room and a spacious living-room to relax, read, write postcards or e-mails (free internet-access) or just to enjoy doing nothing at all. Evelyn and Joachim, 21/09/09. From TripAdvisor.com Oct. 4, 2009.

“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.

Volunteers for Anaconda Adventure Race 2009 Augusta 7 and 8 Nov.

Volunteers are needed for either full or half days on Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of November.
Jobs Include:
Saturday -registering competitors for the junior race and race martials
Sunday - registering competitors for the main race (very early start I'm afraid), race martials and transition assistance
There may be other duties available and we'll keep you updated as we receive information.

If you think you can help out, please contact the CCG on 9757 2202 or respond to this email with your contact details and the day/s you are available. The CCG will provide transport and refreshments on the day.

Its a great way to be involved in what promises to be a fantastic event and support the CCG at the same time.

Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island

Thank you Pam and Dirk for a wonderful stay. We really appreciated all the touring tips!  This is a beautiful spot here in the bush. We loved it here. If you are ever near Cowichan Bay, near Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, please look us up. Laura and Steve, Canada, Oct 7th /09

Cape to Cape MTB Ride Summary 15-18 October

Cape to Cape MTB Ride Summary


http://www.capetocapemtb.com/en/default.htm

Date	Townships	Distance
Thursday 15th October, 2009	Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to Hamelin Bay	38.02km
Friday 16th October, 2009	Hamelin Bay to Prevelly	59.36km
Saturday 17th October, 2009	Margaret River Special Stage	58.93km
Sunday 18th October, 2009	Prevelly to Yallingup	65.56km

Lovely place, great service, very comfortable bed, kangaroos, orchids/wildflowers

HotelLoaring Place Bed & Breakfast
Dates: 30-Sep-2009 - 02-Oct-2009
Site Rates To Go - www.ratestogo.com
Customer Comments: Lovely place, great service, very comfortable bed, kangaroos, orchids/wildflowers, easy drive to all attractions, knowledgable/friendly host, Rain water and fresh breakfast of choice. Wish we could have stayed longer. Bliss!



Carol and Lee, Australind.

Anaconda Adventure Race 2009 Augusta

Mike and Carolyn spent 2 nights here to check out the Augusta Anaconda course, so they brought their bikes and drove down to Augusta yesterday and checked out the course and the area. They were very glad of the spa-bath afterwards.

Location    Augusta, WA Date 8th November, 2009, 8:00am Legs Keen Footwear Coastal Run, 13.5km Event Rent Ocean Swim, 1.9km Finn Kayaks Inlet and Ocean Paddle, 13km Tanita Mountain Bike, 32km www.margaretriver.com Team Run, 2.5km

Looking for a new adventure challenge in a wild part of the world ? Well you’ve just found it with the Anaconda Adventure Race in Augusta on November 8th, 2009. Do you remember a time when the world felt wild and untouched, when the teaming masses we find around every bend just weren’t there? When you could go ‘down south’ and find yourself – not your neighbours...? Well these times continue at Augusta with beaches ready for exploration, rocky headlands and islands untouched by others and forests and bushland with only you and a few wallabies setting the trail. Experience all this amidst the atmosphere of an adventure event with a couple of thousand passionate others and you have found Anacondal enlightenment Combine all this with an adventure expo and kids entertainment on the scenic Augusta foreshore allowing families and friends to spend the afternoon watching finishers propel themselves over the finish line, catch some free entertainment and share a drink with the winners in the event bar. This is one hell of an event. Choose your style and get involved - the Anaconda Adventure Race can be completed in a range of categories to get anyone and everyone to the start, and then over the finish line: Individuals – do every leg as a non stop race around the track. Designed for every one from heros and want-to-bes Pairs – do every leg but in the company of your mate who’s by your side the whole way round Relay teams – with up to 4 people where you do one (or more) legs each. A great way to get involved without being a super hero – build up a team of friends and work colleagues and join all the fun