Hello Barbara and Ivan, we spent a wonderful time in your house and garden with a fantastic view over the Lake Macquarie, watching the birds. You gave...
Read More...Francine et Pierre-André
France
Dec 15, 2023 - Dec 18, 2023
Became a member in: 2016
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2024
We are a retired couple who like to travel, garden and engage in water sports (mainly). Our working lives were spent in Education, Ivan as a School Principal, and I was a School Psychologist. We are on a mission to see as much of the world and its people as we can; and to stay connected to children and grandchildren who live in various places around the world.
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Fishing,
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
The Arts,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Teachers / Education Professionals,
Retirees
Profession
School Psychologist (Retired)
Francine et Pierre-André
France
Elisabeth
Germany
Hello Barbara and Ivan, we spent a wonderful time in your house and garden with a fantastic view over the Lake Macquarie, watching the birds. You gave...
Read More...Hello Barbara and Ivan, we spent a wonderful time in your house and garden with a fantastic view over the Lake Macquarie, watching the birds. You gave us good ideas for walks in the surrounding. Thank you so much, Elisabeth and Uli
Read Less...Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Use of Personal Car is possible
Open to all dates | Netherlands | Belgium | Denmark |
Open to all dates | France | Italy | Germany |
Open to all dates | Netherlands | Czech Republic | Hungary |
Open to all dates | United Kingdom | Croatia | Slovenia |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Studio boathouse with magnificent views of Lake Macquarie. Jetty and sandy beach is right at your doorstep. The apartment is all of the ground floor of our home. It has its own entrance, opens out onto a garden terrace overlooking the lake. Three bedrooms sleep 6, a bathroom and a small kitchen with cooktop and frig.
Type
House - single floor/ Second home
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
We live in a lakeside suburb, close to two boat ramps to access the Lake, and within walking distance of several cafes, supermarket, bakery, newsagent, butcher, hairdresser and Pharmacy. Newcastle is within 20 kms away, with gorgeous beaches, cafes, art galleries, cathedral and concert hall (City Hall). Caves Beach is just one of the spectacular coastline of inlets, headlands, beaches and caves of all sizes. A little further into the country are the Hunter Valley vineyards and wineries, with restaurants, gardens, galleries and hilltop lookouts over the whole valley. Bushwalking and hiking fans will love The Watagans National Park, with its breathtaking walks to caves, waterfalls and gorges. Port Stephens is north and Norah Head, with its lighthouse and forest walk along the clifftop, is south. Sydney of course is a major attraction, by train or car, 1 1/2 hours drive or 2hrs by train.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Catalina Bowling Club is within walking distance. It is the former Officers' Mess for the Royal Australian Air Force Catalina flying boat base during World War II. You can read about the history and view photos of the exploits of these massive aircraft and the men and women who flew them, in the Club. You can also visit the Memorial nearby for the brave men and women who gave their lives. There is a walking/cycling path right around the old base along the Lake, with signs telling the history of the various wartime buildings.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
Walks or jogging paths
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Main door is digital and is accessed by a code which will be provided once we have an exchange agreement. Sensor lights will come on as you arrive at the top of the steps leading down to the boathouse. Please don't turn of the switch for these lights - it is the one taped over. They will turn off after a set time. The Lake is OK for swimming. Don't be put off by the seagrass bottom - it keeps the Lake healthy. However, you should wear water shoes (various sizes are provided) as there are sharp razor clams and oyster shells lurking amongst the seagrass on the sandy bottom. There are a few dolphins about so you may be lucky enough to see them. The jetty is privately owned so you will be the only people using it: likewise the other jetties are not for public use. This is not just being unfriendly: there are concerns about insurance. There is a ladder on the end of the jetty for entering and exiting the water. Please fold it up after use. The white plastic chairs can be used out on the jetty, but please don't leave them unattended. Likewise don't leave doors open and unattended. Winds can blow up unexpectedly and create havoc. There are instructions in a folder about the 3 bins for garbage and recycling, about heater operation, and other things.
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2016
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2024
We are a retired couple who like to travel, garden and engage in water sports (mainly). Our working lives were spent in Education, Ivan as a School Principal, and I was a School Psychologist. We are on a mission to see as much of the world and its people as we can; and to stay connected to children and grandchildren who live in various places around the world.
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Fishing,
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
The Arts,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Teachers / Education Professionals,
Retirees
Profession
School Psychologist (Retired)
Francine et Pierre-André
France
Elisabeth
Germany
Hello Barbara and Ivan, we spent a wonderful time in your house and garden with a fantastic view over the Lake Macquarie, watching the birds. You gave...
Read More...Hello Barbara and Ivan, we spent a wonderful time in your house and garden with a fantastic view over the Lake Macquarie, watching the birds. You gave us good ideas for walks in the surrounding. Thank you so much, Elisabeth and Uli
Read Less...Over 70 years of home exchange experience
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