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Our stay at Karen's Ellington Grove

I'm not a writer or a poet - it would have come in handy when describing what it's like to be a guest at Ellington Grove. It was nothing short of an idyllic dream. I'll do my best.

We drove through the countryside, over the rolling hills and through the valleys speckled with herds of sheep and cattle to the small rural town of Candelo. Down the little red dirt lane, we discovered Ellington Grove: a red timber cottage with three brick chimney stacks. This was it, we had made it.

Your experience starts as soon as you approach the large metal gate, which you have to open for your driver to pass through. Each step we took revealed more of Ellington's enchanting story. The front patio offers outdoor dining and a fire pit for gathering during cool evenings. The sun just so happens to rest here in the afternoons, just in time for checking in.  

When we opened the door we found a world reminiscent of a simple time awaited. The traditional fireplace, vintage velvet chair, and stone floors paved the way to the kitchen with a window framing golden pastures, ancient trees, and little houses with smoke stacks. 

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Just off the kitchen, you'll find the perfectly dressed living room which inspires

 

listening to music from the 1920s, sipping stirred cocktails , and chit chat around the fire. The late autumn sun greeted us through the vintage glass windows and softly illuminated this already delightful space.

Next to this flawlessly appointed living room, we found a very warm and cozy bed with a heavy caramel duvet and linen sheets, and a large antique window draped with weighted curtains. I couldn't help but stare out to more of that picturesque view - it was like viewing a painting.

After admiring the black and white photos, oil paintings, heirlooms, and artifacts, of Ellington Grove, we stepped onto the covered porch - this is where the outdoor tub hides. Karen offers flower petals, candles, and rose bath salts to enhance soaking in the golden provincial land. 

After getting a bit organized, we decided we'd pop into the nearest town to pick up something we could cook at Ellington - we just had to spend our evening here. With our groceries sorted, we had everything we needed to watch the sun go down, have a soak in the tub, and listen to the songs of invisible kookaburras. 

For a full tour of Ellington (discover a few more enchanting rooms!), or a little sneak peek of our stay. 

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We usually go out and explore on our second day, but after a few weeks of a lot of travelling, we welcomed a slower day to our itinerary. Since Karen had left everything we needed to make ourselves a beautiful breakfast - waffles, fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, and ...maple syrup - there was no need to hurry out the door. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent soaking in the tub listening to Glen Miller - yes, again - reading in the fireside room, and walking down the lane to the general store for more artisan ingredients for dinner at Ellington. It was a dream.

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Karen has created another world using carefully selected treasures and vintage art to tell her story. Everything is intentionally placed, hung, and positioned to evoke a warm and playful nostalgic feeling. It almost felt like time travel. With her assistance in escapism, I was able to live slower and appreciate the natural beauty and craftsmanship all around me. 

Thank you so much Karen for hosting us in your beautiful Ellington Grove. We so enjoyed our time spent here. 

I'm really looking forward to seeing who swaps here next! 

XO
Sam and Nick.


 

Members of The Hosting Société can swap their bespoke property with Karen - 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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