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Our stay at Claire's
Bushy
Summers
Now, I know it's going to sound like I'm making this up, but we were literally greeted, to the already cute as can be Bushy Summers, by a troop of mallard ducks and a small black and white cat with pink paws. They all waddled down the path next to the stream that lead us to the front door of our charming charcoal shack on Lettes Bay. We had arrived to Bushy Summers.
We opened the door and found the coziest most hygge setting for our two night stay. With the troop left outside, we explored our adorable shack.
A layered corner with pillows and books looked out onto to quiet bay through the paned glass window. To make the most of this small space, Claire and Matt brilliantly added another window to divide the bedroom and the living room. Ahhh, the bedroom. My mum would say, "now that's an English bed" - meaning the bed is fitted with plush duvet, quilts, and pillows to create a cloud to sleep on. Hello layers!
Loved the nod to the sea with the oversized oyster shell pendant light.
Next, we found the bathroom - the one with the brilliant blue doors that boast old world charm and the show stopping claw foot tub. This was the place to soak after a day exploring what this seaside town had to offer - which I did.
To see this place in the flesh leaves you asking "where am I!?"
It's so magical with the unobstructed waterfront view, lush forests, gentle stream, weathered jetty, cozy cottage and animal friends, it really doesn't seem real.
I gave our host Claire a call to say we had made it safely and that we were in love. She had generously given us a bottle of wine, breakfast provisions, and a gift designed by herself and Matthew - her husband. As if it could get any better.
Once we got a bit of the lay of the land, we decided to drop our bags and get cozy. We had picked up a few items for dinner to spend the evening in. Don't let the size of kitchen fool you; it is fully equipped to prepare any elaborate meal you might have in mind. We spent the rest of the evening watching the light fade over the bay sipping Bushy Summer's pinot noir.
I loved all the little details of Claire's Bushy Summer's - the worn wooden floor boards, the patina faucets, painted timber panels, and embellished pressed tin cladding added luxury and intrigue. With a neutral pallet in command, only a few pieces did some of the talking which created an interesting and easy restful place to settle. Claire has an eye for detail.
For a full tour, have a peek here. Or if you'd like a sneak peek, this will work.
The next morning, we awoke to the sun peering through the windows into our snug bedroom. Sounds of the ducks and the kitten could be heard as if to say, "hey, it's breakfast time!"We made ourselves at home and cooked up some breaky next to that gorgeous view.
On our second day, we usually spend the day exploring, but we just couldn't seem to leave this place. It was just too beautiful to venture away from. We instead made the quick trip into Strahan to pick up some items for dinner and hunkered in.
We also ventured to Ocean Beach, an untouched wild and rugged western coast of Tasmania.
After a morning exploring the natural world, we stopped into The Coffee Shack for a hot chocolate, caramel slice, and warm quiche - a welcomed delight after working up an appetite.
Thank you so much for hosting us, Claire and Matthew! We really enjoyed our stay at your magical Bushy Summers.
XO
Samantha and Nick (my love)
There is a lot to do in the picturesque seaside town of Strahan, which we found out the next day.
Hogarth Waterfall is a few minutes away. We took the 40 minute walk (there and back) through the rainforest to see the cascade over the lush cold forest.
Members of The Hosting Société can swap their bespoke property with Claire - no cash exchanged - just fellow hosts swapping places for their own enjoyment.
Don't have a property to swap but still want to stay?
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