Peace in Paradise- It's good for the soul !

Our 3-bedroom lakeside cottage is in the perfect spot to kick back, relax and enjoy the view. You will see the most spectacular sunsets and your soul will be soothed by the peaceful surrounds. With the beautiful Lake Macquarie at your doorstep you can swim, fish, go boating , take a relaxing walk or simply laze under a tree and soak up the tranquillity. It is the perfect place for families or friends who are looking to make some memories and enjoy a traditional lakeside getaway. Our cottage in paradise has a refurbished kitchen and all new stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen is fully equipped and has everything you need to prepare your favourite meal or beverage. There are ample seating options for in house dining starting with an 8-seater dining table in the kitchen area where you can also enjoy the lake views. You may like the casual stools and high table in the front living space or perhaps one of the two outdoor dining spots available. The dining bench on the front verandah offers lake views or you may prefer the outdoor entertainment area in the back garden. This space offers a preparation bench, BBQ, BBQ Pizza Oven Box, fridge, bar and an open fire pit and has everything you need for outdoor living. The indoor living spaces have been created to cater for everyone and allow you to enjoy the views from where ever you choose to sit. The main lounge area has a very comfortable reclining suite and is the perfect spot to chat, listen to music, read a book or simply watch the world go by. You will find the high table at the next window which is a great space to enjoy a relaxing beverage or to have some fun playing cards or board games. In the other half of this space you will find the TV area where you can enjoy a movie on Netflix or again just look out the window and enjoy the view. The bedrooms are all comfortable and inviting with bedroom 1 featuring a brand new en suite. Bedroom 2 has a queen bed and a built-in wardrobe while bedroom 3 has 2 x single beds as well a single built in robe and ottoman for storage. The single beds can be converted to a short king bed if you would prefer. We do have a cot available on request and it could fit in either bedroom 1 or in one of the living spaces. All bedding comes with quality linen for your comfort. The main bathroom has been renovated to give it a modern comfortable feel but it has retained a bit of the old with a half bath under the shower to cater for any little ones who might like a bath after a day of play .There is a separate fully equipped laundry which features a new 10 kg washer and a dryer for your convenience. One of the best features of our place is the view so you will find a variety of seating around the verandah to cater for the movement of the sun throughout the day. It should be noted that if you have a toddler, the wrap around verandah does not have a rail and the front yard is not fenced. The whole space is yours to use except for the garage. There is a car port for your car or boat and plenty of off street parking. We also know that there is nothing worse than arriving at your holiday spot and wishing you had remembered to bring something else from home. We have tried to think of the little things that you may enjoy on your stay so please feel to use anything you find within the property. We will be your neighbours but like all good neighbours you will only see us if you need us. You can contact us via text or email and of course we will happily have a chat if you would like to know anything about the house or want any recommendations for activities in the area. If we are going to be away during your stay we will give you a contact in the area that will be able to help with anything you need. Whether you are looking to do a lot or nothing at all, our beautiful part of the world has a lot to offer and you can do it all from your cottage in paradise. Our area is surrounded by water and you have direct access to the lake across the road from the property. You can launch your SUP or kayak straight from the waterfront reserve or if you would prefer to bring your boat, you will find the Swansea boat ramp is a 2-minute drive around the corner. The popular swimming spot at Coon Island is a short 300 mt walk away where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters or laze in the sun on the surrounding grassed areas. The diving is spectacular, and Ian will be happy to give you some tips on the best free diving spots around the area. If you prefer to scuba dive, the local dive shop is a short 3-minute drive away. You can cast a line from the reserve or pump for nippers and scoop for prawns in the lake’s waters directly at your feet. There are also plenty of beautiful spots for snorkelling and if you would like to give it a try you will find some spare snorkelling sets in the garden shed. There are plenty of amazing beaches with great waves for surfing and swimming close by. Caves Beach- 4.5 km or 7-minute drive Frenchmans and Hams Beach (Pet friendly/ Leash Free) -3.4 Km 7 min drive Blacksmiths Beach- 4.3 km 7-minute drive Catherine Hill Bay- 9 km 13-minute drive Redhead beach (Pet friendly/leash free in some areas)- 15km 20- min drive Merewether Beach -25 km 30-minute drive Newcastle Beach 29 km 35-minute drive If you are a land lover, you can enjoy the many spectacular walks around our beautiful coastal area or simply enjoy the local cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs that are a 15-20-minute easy walk or 5-minute drive away. Your fur baby will also enjoy exploring the many pet friendly walks around the area and you will find that they are also welcome to join you at the outdoor cafes when it’s time for well-deserved break. Swansea is predominately flat, so it is the perfect spot for a bike ride and you will you have the choice of many beautiful picnic spots including the reserve across the road. Imagine getting the adrenaline pumping by trying skydiving or maybe a jet boat ride around the lake is more you pace. You can take a drive into the Newcastle and explore the harbour or visit the beautiful Hunter Valley and its vineyards, which are about 1 hrs drive away. Swansea itself is a small coastal town with its own shopping centre that includes both Woolworths and Coles. You will also find some speciality shops, a bakery, newsagent, beauty services, chemist, medical services and a library. The main street of Swansea is approx. 1.5 km away which is a very quick 3-minute drive or a 15-20-minute easy walk. How ever you choose to spend your time, there is nothing better than knowing you have your own little piece of paradise waiting for you to return. Enjoy a wine or beer as you watch the sunset over the lake, light up the barbie and enjoy outdoor living, roast marshmallows over the fire-pit under the stars, have some fun playing good old fashioned board games or chill out with your favourite book or movie while you get ready to do it all again tomorrow. There is a public bus stop approx. 200 mts around the corner and you can catch a bus to the main street of Swansea or all the way into Newcastle. This bus route also takes you around the lake to Warners bay and Glendale. You will need an opal card to use public transport. Opal cards can be purchased at the local newsagent. There are plenty of places to explore on foot in the area or you can take a small drive to explore some of the more of out of the way places. We will provide information in your welcome book. The local clubs and pubs all provide courtesy buses and they will happily come and pick you up if you give them a call. We do have Uber and a Taxi service although it can sometimes be a wait, depending on the time of day you wish to travel. We are pet loving people and regularly travel with our dog using Airbnb, so we welcome you and yours. However, we do need to note that while the back yard is fully fenced, our front yard is not . Your dog is welcome inside, but we do ask that they not be allowed on the furniture or beds. You will need to bring their own bedding and we ask that you kindly pick up after them and dispose of their waste accordingly.