To celebrate my boyfriend and I’s 6 year anniversary we spent the weekend in the cosy historic town of Albany. We find ourselves constantly gravitating to the south west region of WA, particularly Margaret River. This trip however, we wanted to venture a tad further for the solitude and seclusion. At the Southern tip of Western Australia, Albany is known for its dramatic rock formations, Historic Whaling Station and coastal scenic sights.
Our favourite part of the trip however, was our AirBnB stay. A historic cottage in the heart of Albany Central, this charming coastal cottage was the epitome of uniqueness and tranquility. Upon arrival you’re greeted to an array of horticultural flowers, a quaint white picket fence and charming patio deck.
The living room oozes historical charm with sentimental photographs scattered on the walls, vintage paraphernalia (my personal favourite being the old stamp jar collection) and timeless fireplace that invents the room.
The bedroom continues this vintage ambience with a darling piano, rocking chair and the oh so comfiest bed I’ve slept in for a long time.
It was however, the French Country kitchen that struck us the most. With a refurbished historical stove stop, windowsill cushioned bench and heritage decor, we found ourselves spending most of our mornings and nights here. Whether it was spending the morning snug by the windowsill with our morning coffee, taking in the fresh outdoor air or dancing around the centre table with a bottle of vino, we certainly created some unforgettable memories in this space.
It was the extensive garden beyond the patio lattice that was the selling point in choosing our accomodation. This is a shared garden space with the neighbour, however you are more than welcome to meander around the gardens, pick fruit from the trees, collect eggs from the chickens (yep they have chickens) or simply relax in the sunshine under the fig tree. This garden was just so magical and serene, we loved watching the sunset from the quaint table and chairs, feeding the fat chooks and picking blackberries and lemons. The garden was surrounded by white Calla Lillies (a personal favourite), beautiful orange nasturtium’s, and vegetable beds that truly made us feel like we were staying on a homestead.
Maintaining the historical aspect of the house, the Airbnb did not have a shower but instead a clawfoot bath and open air outside shower which, to be honest, we much preferred glancing out at the gleaming night stars.
The beauty of this cottage is its location, a 5 minute walk to town centre. The neighbourhood truly feels like a community as you notice neighbours chatting over their picket fences, tending to their gardens and enjoying their solitude on their front patios.
Things to do in Albany:
- Visit the Gap and venture out to the Blow Holes
- Dine at French Vietnamese restaurant ‘Liberté’
- Check out Albany’s array of scenic lookouts
- Try ‘La Botanica’s’ tasty treats and coffee
- Visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Museum
- Stop by ‘Due South’ for lunch and beers
- Visit the Memorial Rose Garden
- Walk the historic streets
