This was published 11 years ago
Sandholme Guesthouse, Huskisson review: Artfully vintage
Sandholme guesthouse in Huskisson.
Annie Stevens finds an ideal base to explore Huskisson and Jervis Bay.
This weekend away marks a significant turning point in my personal life: I become one of those people who not only packs running shoes when going on holiday but also uses them. For an actual run.
I'm attributing this change, in part, to the posters that line the walls of the Sandholme Guesthouse in Huskisson. Almost all are cutesy vintage ones promoting health and hygiene. "You're nothing without good health" reads one.
The guesthouse's formal sitting room.
Owned and run by Alan and Christine Burrows, the Sandholme Guesthouse is just a few minutes' walk from the beach and 10 minutes' walk from the town. The property is a rambling Federation-style house filled with nooks and crannies that appear to be designed for reading, canoodling or contemplation, and a formal sitting room with piano and fireplace.
Each of the five bedrooms is furnished with comfortable beds, table and chairs, tea and coffee-making gear and television. The ensuite bathroom has a bath (four of them with spa) so deep you could probably execute a tumble-turn. Our bedroom is lovely, painted a cheery yellow, with polished floorboards, Australiana prints and rugs.
Curiously, the rooms are named after various sea creatures and places. Ours is "Turtle's playground", which is odd but OK. Unlike, perhaps, the room named "Lover's playground", which surely invites discussion among other guests that might not be welcome.
The guesthouse's bedroom.
As with any B&B worth its salt, there are books and games and nice touches such as port and chocolates in the "cinema screening" room, where you can pop on a film from the house collection or play a game of pool.
And then we ate Breakfast is a choice of a full English or continental menu, cooked by our hosts and served in the dining area downstairs. It includes proper espresso coffee, which is most welcome. The hosts also offer picnic hampers in their gourmet packages for guests who want to head off adventuring for the day.
For dinner we wander to Huskisson for steak at the Stonegrill restaurant. The lolly shop, which specialises in old-fashioned sweets alongside deeply American treats such as Reese's Pieces, is worth a visit.
Our favourite place is Supply, an excellent cafe-cum-larder that sells artisan muesli and paintings, among an eclectic inventory - and a fine breakfast of pancakes and coffee.
The deal maker Staying at Sandholme was much like visiting friends, though ones with real skill and time invested in the noble art of hosting. The Burrowses are knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about the Jervis Bay area. Alan chats and scribbles ideas for activities on a map, which is handy when we head off for a day of meandering. But we also feel at home enough to roam about the house and curl up on couches.
Stepping out Like so many travellers, we're lured by the white-sand beauty of Hyams beach, about 10 kilometres from Huskisson. After a swim and a morning of newspaper reading on the beach, we're happy to return to Sandholme to play a gently competitive game of Scrabble on the covered deck. We're in the area at the wrong time to see dolphins and whales - common sights between May and November. Instead, we rediscover the joys of $7.40 rounds of beers at the Huskisson RSL Club. With a view of the bay, it's an ideal way to while away a few hours before dinner. We think of it as a toast to good health.
Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
VISITORS' BOOK
Sandholme Guesthouse
Address 2 Jervis Street, Huskisson.
The verdict A charming, kitschy B&B that's perfect for couples seeking a brief sea change.
Price From $220 a night, including full breakfast; two-night weekend package is $613; three-night package $980.
Bookings Phone 4441 8855, see sandholme.com.au.
Getting there Huskisson is 185 kilometres from Sydney CBD, about 2½ hours' drive.
Perfect for A relaxing couples' weekend with homely touches.
Wheelchair access Yes.
While you're there Swim at Hyams beach, explore Booderee National Park, dine at the Seagrass Brasserie in Huskisson, graze at Supply.
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