COUNTRY ESCAPES
l BeautifuCOUNTRY ESCAPES
WORDS SHERIDEN RHODES
THE GROWERS COTTAGE, Lower Mangrove Leave the city behind and wake to ivy-covered windows and nothing but the sound of birdsong and frogs croaking at this lovingly restored farmers’ cottage neighbouring Dharug National Park. Set on lush farmland, the intimate one-bedroom Growers Cottage is surrounded by a grower’s garden bursting with fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs just waiting to be picked and added to a favourite dish or drink. There’s also an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven. The star attraction, however, is the romantic oversized al fresco stone bath between two old magnolia trees complete with handy wooden ledge for a glass of wine or book. Take a soak in the early morning when mist clings to the mountain or bathe under starry skies. The only issue guests have will be leaving this little slice of heaven just 1.5 hours’ drive from Sydney’s CBD. airbnb.com.au/rooms/31500259
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