I disappeared into the bush for a few days and found a place that seemed to understand the art of living slowly.

Tucked away near Rushworth, Victoria, this bush retreat, just two hours from Melbourne, felt less like accommodation and more like stepping into somebody’s beautifully wonderFULL mind. Everything carried character. Thoughtfulness. Little signs that this place had been built with heart rather than convenience. Amber lamps glowed softly inside each space beside crackling wood fires. The kitchen shelves were lined with carefully collected pieces that somehow made cooking feel romantic instead of practical. There were books, textures, cosy corners and windows framing the bushland like moving paintings.

I quickly settled into a rhythm that involved very little urgency and a lot of tea. We might have been in Rushworth, but there was no need to rush around here! My favourite spot became the front verandah, sitting in the morning sunshine watching birds throw themselves enthusiastically into the baths while the world stayed wonderfully quiet around me. Hours seemed to drift past unnoticed here. The kind of silence that doesn’t feel empty, only peaceful.

Inside, the queen bed swallowed me whole in the best way. Soft sheets, heavy limbs, afternoon naps I didn’t even bother negotiating with. At dusk, I filled the bathtub with hot water, bubbles and candlelight while listening to the sounds of the bush outside as the cabin glowed warm and golden around me. The property itself was full of curious beauty. Restored artwork and salvaged pieces were scattered throughout the landscape, each one playful and creative. Old things becoming beautiful again. Nothing too polished. Nothing pretending to be perfect. This place was my kinda vibe. Perfectly imperfect.

I drifted into Rushworth one afternoon, smiling at the locals and patting every dog willing to accept my affection. The township was loaded with history, and my architect mind was loving all the buildings! I climbed the hill to the church to confess my sins, although I’m quite comfortable with all my life choices and don’t have much to be sorry for! Ha!

I later ventured out toward the lake hoping for a swim, but the wind had other plans. Instead, I stood at the shoreline watching the rich red earth blur into the water’s edge, completely distracted by the colours of it all. Lost in a living daydream.

This off grid abode gave me space to be still without needing to fill the silence. No pressure to achieve anything, really. No itinerary demanding my attention. Just bushland, warm light, cups of tea and the comforting reminder that resting is enough sometimes.

I left feeling deeply grateful for this stay, made with heart. This bush retreat allowed me to disappear from the big wide world and return home with a softer kind of energy, full of peace and hopefulness.