Down a quiet laneway in the 'back country' of the Bellarine Coast, we found 'Applegarth' - the sweetest treat for our wandering souls. As we entered our Riparide for the weekend my daydreams of warm timbers, rich leather and cosy knit blankets came to life. The nostalgia of freshly baked sourdough on the kitchen table paired with croissants, eggs and jams took me back to simpler times. We'd arrived; ready to rewind, ready to reset.

As spring rainfall softy fell on the tin roof we settled into the cottage for the evening, appreciating windows aplenty to admire the surrounding views. Of course I ran the clawfoot bath, lit the candles and brewed some tea. Day turned to dusk and as night fell I landed upon the comfiest king bed I've ever stayed in.

Sunrise the next morning I was up to greet the most beautiful light we scored all weekend. A break between the rain and the storms that followed blessed the early bird in me with sunbeams that drenched the cottage's expansive verandah and turned the surrounding paddocks gold.

Steam rising from its surface the outdoor cedar tub was still hot from the night before so I stoked its fire again and climbed right in. There's something magic about a bathing experience fuelled by only wood and coals. We kept the flames alight all weekend, loading logs into the fire box to then feel the heat bubble into the tub: actual bliss, if ever I've found it!

After a hearty breakfast we fed carrots to the farm's beautiful Highland cows; a quintessential farm experience I didn't know I needed! These gentle giants were the friendliest of their kind with big brown eyes that beckoned for connection.

Just a short drive into Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads allowed us to satisfy our tummies some more, with local treats and a wander of their main streets. Despite the wintry weather we blessed our souls with some much needed vitamin sea; waves crashing and sand between our toes the perfect side note to our country escape. At Applegarth we discovered the beauty of country and coast, the best of both worlds melded into one - plus the loveliest hosts who made sure our stay was all we dreamt of!