Cosy Scotland Island Retreat

Scotland Island is a friendly community in the beautiful Pittwater region of Sydney's Northern Beaches. Off the beaten track, the island is a hidden gem that is the perfect retreat from city life. Spend the day kayaking, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming or fishing - the island has it all. Perfect as a retreat for couples, family getaway, or place to work remotely. The self-contained studio sits on a large, shady deck beneath our house, with views of the water. Your room has a plush queen bed, fold-out couch, small table and dresser, and accordion doors that turn the room into an open-air space. A picnic table, lounge chairs, hammock, swing, and various kids' toys make the deck a comfortable place to spend time. A private bathroom with a shower is just outside your front door. During the cold winter months, a small space heater and plenty of extra blankets make the room a very cosy space! We stock your room with breakfast supplies at the start of your stay, including fresh fruit, cereal, granola, porridge, bread, milk, yogurt, coffee & tea, and eggs collected fresh from our chooks (if they are laying)! If you have any dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate - just let us know in advance. Your room has a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, panini-press, kettle, coffee maker, and dishes/cutlery. There is also a small BBQ and electric frypan on your deck for you to use. Please note that the room does not have an oven or stove. We have a cat and backyard chickens that you may see wandering through the yard. Everyone is friendly so feel free to say hello - and help yourself to the delicious fresh eggs! There is plenty to do on the island, and we are happy to share tips and point you in the right direction. Our place would be ideal for couples, friends, or a small family looking for a fun place to get away from it all. The room itself would most comfortably sleep 2 adults, or 2 adults and 1-2 children. *Please be aware that the island is quite tropical and the bathroom and sink are outdoors - depending on the season, this means you may encounter mozzies, spiders, possums, or other critters. If you are looking for a down-to-earth retreat that is surrounded by nature, our studio is perfect; if you are looking for a hotel experience, we recommond looking elsewhere! There is a ferry service that runs between Church Point and the island (usually until around 7:30pm) as well as a water taxi that runs from early until late (usually 7am to 10pm). We live in the main house (above but removed from the studio) with our two boys. While they are out at school most of the time, you may hear their pattering feet (and if you are less fortunate, renditions of Frozen) from time to time. They also do use the backyard and shared outdoor spaces from time to time - feel free to say hi :) Your deck is completely private though, so you don't have to worry about visitors (other than the occasional chook or cockatoo!). We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction. You are welcome to contact us at any time during your stay. *Note that we live in the main house with our two young boys, and you are likely to see or hear us from time to time. The backyard is shared with us, and you may see us feeding our chooks or our boys playing in the grass after school.* Our home is located on Scotland Island, in the Pittwater region of New South Wales, Australia. Scotland Island is a friendly, colourful and welcoming community with around 700 residents. Spend the day relaxing, exploring the island, or take the ferry or one of our kayaks out to explore the National park and waterways. The Waterfront Cafe in Church Point (5 minutes away) has free jazz on Sundays and is a great place to grab a coffee, drink or meal. Church Point is a 10 minutes bus ride out from Mona Vale (the nearest hub, with all the amenities you will need) and around 45 minutes driving or 1 hour by bus from the Sydney CBD. Accessed by water only, the island is a haven for wildlife. You are likely to spot native animals such as kookaburras, cockatoos, lorikeets, possums and lizards, as well as fish, rays, sea stars and jellies in the water. The island is somewhat rugged and hilly, so bring good shoes! Please be aware that the house is a 5-10 minute walk from where the ferry lets you off. This includes a number of stairs and a hill, so it helps to pack light. We are occasionally available to collect you in our golf buggy from Carols - reach out in advance to let us know your ETA and we will see if we can sync up with you. You can also ring the community vehicle ($15; details will be sent when you book) for a ride up the hill if you have a lot to carry. You are welcome to use: * Our kayaks (3 adult kayaks + 1 kid kayak), canoe, and stand-up paddle-boards (x2) * Basic fishing equipment (please ask and we can let you know what we have) * Outdoor BBQ on your deck * You will also find board games, a space heater, fan, dehumidifier, and beach towels in your room. * Basic kitchen supplies - oil, S&P, sugar, honey, chocolates (that counts as a basic necessity right?)... * We also have heaps of activities for little ones that we are happy to share, including swings, slides, a cubbyhouse, trampoline, and pirate ship/sandbox. You will also find a basket of toys and books in your room. * Anything else, just ask! We are happy to share :)