Became a member in: 2003
Renewal Date: 30/Nov/2019
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
Wine Lovers
Affiliations
University Professors,
Teachers / Education Professionals
Profession
Retired academic (Retired)
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Car Exchange is offered/negotiable
Open to all dates | Paris, France |
Open to all dates | Italy | Turin, Italy | Tuscany, Italy |
Open to all dates | UK |
Open to all dates | UK | Devon, UK | Cumbria, UK |
Open to all dates | Open to all destinations |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Experienced exchanger: Ten International exchanges- UK -Bath, London, Somerset, Wales & Cambridge. France - Paris, Compiegne. Turkey - Bodrum
In 2019 - June -Aug., I am interested in simultaneous or non-simultaneous exchanges in Paris in France, Turin and Tuscany in Italy, Devon and Lake District in the UK.
The cottage at Goonengerry, is situated on the east coast of New South Wales, standing on an acre together with a main house. It is separate but adjacent to the main house (see photos). It has spectacular views overlooking the valley and down to the Pacific Ocean and Byron Bay. It is a short drive - 10 mins - to the township of Mullumbimby, 25 mins to the renown beaches of Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Lennox Heads. It is 50 mins from the International airport on the Gold Coast, 2 hours freeway drive to Brisbane and an hour and a quarter flight to Sydney from the local airport at Ballina (40 mins away).
Wonderful walks abound - ocean adventures (to see dolphins anytime or whales in the winter months) rainforest walks, walks to waterfalls and local bush walks into the small Goonengerry National Park at the end of our road. Two bikes are available for use (one with a child seat attached).
There are many different eateries boasting various cuisines (e.g. Doma a well known Japanese cafe is 5 mins down the hill at Federal, and there are other lovely quaint villages (e.g. Bangalow, 20 mins drive) with excellent eating and shopping. There are markets in different nearby towns each Sunday and the fabulous Mullumbimby Farmers Markets every Friday at Mullumbimby Showground, or Byron and Bangalow farmers markets on Wed., and Sat., respectively.
Live music is also another speciality of the region with a great variety of venues and annual festivals (Byron's Bluesfest (Easter), Falls (January), Splendour in the Grass (September) and Mullumbimby's Music festival (Nov) all just a short drive from the cottage, and also Byron Bay Writer's Festival (August) - 20 mins drive away.
The cottage has recently been built (2018) to a high standard. It is very comfortable with verandahs/decks to capture the wonderful views. It is surrounded by an established garden (with play equipment for young children) and has a modern kitchen and bathroom, wifi Internet, Smart TV, and all mod cons - microwave, washer etc. Comfortably sleeps 2 and in a separate foyer (that can be closed off for privacy) it can sleep a single or couple, or young children (we can provide a portable cot, high chair etc).
In the adjacent main house is a family of 3 - my adult daughter, a University lecturer, and her two children 6 & 3, and a friendly labrador (Sunshine). I live in the cottage, so it is set up as a fully functioning home not a holiday let, I am semi retired and come and go due to contract work commitments - so it is frequently available.
Type
House - single floor/ Second home
Amenities
Entertainment
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
My home is in a quiet rural setting - on an acre - with beautiful views down to Byron Bay. There is an abundance of birdlife and native wildlife to hear and see.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Hintherland attractions: Nearby - 5 mins north of Goonengerry, there are the gardens - botanic and rainforest - of Crystal Castle http://www.crystalcastle.com.au/ and the dispalys of crystal. south 5 mins is the famous Doma Cafe http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g939936-d3780752-Reviews-DOMA_Cafe-Federal_New_South_Wales.html
the same people also make a weekly presence at the Farmers Market in Mullumbimby - 7am-11am -http://www.mullumfarmersmarket.org.au/
In the town of Mullumbimby you will find art galleries, excellent cafes for coffee and lunch - favourite amongst them are the Rock & Roll Coffee Company http://rockandrollcoffee.com.au/ and Poinciana Cafe - http://www.poincianacafe.com/
Good cafes and eateries in Byron Bay are numerous - The Balcony has a sound reputation as does 'Red, Hot & Green' - http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/349/1585961/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Red-Hot-Green-Byron-Bay
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Please check our exchange preferences below
Conditions
Car Exchange
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2003
Renewal Date: 30/Nov/2019
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
Wine Lovers
Affiliations
University Professors,
Teachers / Education Professionals
Profession
Retired academic (Retired)
Over 65 years of house exchange experience
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