Went for the Hot Springs, will return for the cottage
After yet another long, wretched stint in lockdown, Husband man and I were in great need of a holiday. Somewhere to relax, and reconnect and forget for just a while, our failed attempts at home schooling our recalcitrant children.
The last time we’d been away as a couple, I had brown hair and a slim figure, so yeah, it’s been a long, long time. The kids were booked into camps, so that’s their holiday sorted. And whilst another lockdown wasn’t out of the question, we took a punt to book a place down the Mornington Peninsula so we could have a relaxing day at The Peninsula Hot Springs.
Only trouble was, a massive storm came to blow us all down, put out the lights, block the roads and destroy people’s homes. Luckily for my family, it was only loss of power and communication and blocked roads that was a concern. But as the days and nights continued in the cold and dark we started to think that our plan to have a friend look after the dogs, cat, chickens, bunny and our oldest child was not going to be feasible. Could you ask someone to move out of their perfectly fine house and bring their own young child into this cold, dark lifeless situation? When we got the latest update from the electrical company estimating another three weeks without power, we sadly postponed our getaway.
The owners of our booked accommodation were extremely understanding, and although this situation was not covered by their cancellation policy, they were happy to give us a credit for a future booking.
Then a few days later, as I was topping up the generator, there are cries of “The power’s on, the power’s on!” Woohoo, we’re back on for a getaway! Luckily I was able to rebook everything for our escape.
The website for Silverleaf Cottage is filled with words like whimsical and romantic. So, heading down a pretty path lined with tea trees, we’re excited and hopeful that it will be as lovely as it looked in the photos.
The garden is indeed very romantic, with lots of enchanting touches like a fire pit, birdbaths and private seated areas. A climber surrounds the beautiful French doors and in the midst of winter we’re surrounded by flowering plants. I got the feeling this was a four seasons garden and whenever you went, there would be something in bloom.
But if I thought the garden was romantic, the cottage had so much more to offer. I couldn’t wait to see inside. Same with Husband Man. Although I’m not sure if it was to rest after the drive or to stop me banging on about architecture and the cute design of our temporary tiny home.
Even opening the door made me feel happy. A big old-fashioned key turns and one half of the French doors opens into the main room. We push open the other side to take in our luggage. Looking around is an absolute feast for the eyes! Every detail is consistent with the style and over the next two days I continue to see more and more loveliness.
From the doorway your eyes are drawn to huge decorative library heading into the pitched roof. I know they probably aren’t real, but the suggestion that someone could just kick back and read all those books fills me with joy.
I explore the rest of the cottage, ooing and aahing to Husband Man about the beautiful French inspired design details.
I would’ve been very happy to just hang about and enjoy the cottage, however, stomachs were rumbling and a fabulous dinner was on our wish list. Confused by too many options on the Peninsula website, I messaged our host Bernadette to get some insider knowledge. She was quickly back to me with some suggestions, but the obvious winner was Steam, “walking distance from the cottage with rave reviews from previous guests.” Let’s go!
Steam delighted right from the start winning our award for the most friendly greeting ever! With full bellies, we wove our way back wondering aloud if we should’ve stopped at one fewer plates of tasty morsels. Banter and in-jokes that only a couple finds amusing, together with unseasonably warm weather, we felt a million miles away from our devastated mountain.
Back at the cottage we head up the cast iron spiral staircase to the loft. The tiny attic-like space is mostly bed, and very comfy bed at that. The gothic window, tongue and groove walls and pretty pressed tin ceiling make for a very romantic setting. Let me be clear – there is no room for anyone else. No kids. No friends. No family. Just us.
The next day was dedicated to the stunning Peninsula Hot springs. A special place where the hot mineral waters melted locked-up lock-down muscles. Again, the weather was kind and under the beautiful blue sky, we took our time to enjoy the different pools, leaving our favourite, the Hydrojet Pool to last. But even with the disappointment of the jets not being on that day, you couldn’t wipe the smile from our faces.
Refreshed, we decided not to go out but stay in and enjoy our lovely cottage. Dinner would be take-away pizza and champagne. Mmmm. Whilst we can’t help wondering about the kids, there’s something so essential about spending time together just as adults. Partners, not parents.
The final day was a short trip to Sorrento for breakfast and a leisurely return home stopping off for walks on the surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula.
So, although I was going to tell you more about Peninsula Hot Springs or some of the other fabulous places where we ate or visited, I’m not going to. Because, whilst the purpose of the getaway was the springs, the star of the show was our accommodation itself. As I’m writing this, I get an email from Peninsula Hot Springs suggesting “It’s time to refresh!” Only if I can stay at Silverleaf Cottage.
Silverleaf Cottage, 57 Valley Drive, Rye Victoria. Link to Silverleaf Cottage, Rye here.
Link to Steam restaurant here.
And click here for link to Peninsula Hot Springs.
For more information about spots to visit on the Mornington Peninsula click here.
Photos of cherry blossom and loft by Silverleaf Cottage, other photos by Amanda Gambas
Amanda Gambas Author 