Quite Simply, Divine

I wasn’t expecting to fall for a converted shed, but here we are, friends. Standing quietly among the vineyards, its deep navy corrugated iron exterior hinted at something practical rather than picturesque. Then I opened the door...

Handmade curtains framed each window, bold colour statements filled each space and a crackling wood fire wrapped the cottage in a warmth that chased away the winter chill. I mean, it felt less like a converted shed and more like a country home that had quietly gathered stories over the years. If there’s ever been a livin’ example of not judging a book by its cover, this is it!

My favourite place wasn’t the armchair beside the fire or the incredibly comfortable bed that gifted me one of the best nights’ sleeps I’d had in weeks!! It was the dining table. Yep! It was the ultimate sunshine-chasing spot to be!

Morning sunshine spilled through the windows, stretching across the table as rows of vineyards swayed gently beyond the glass. With a warm cup of tea in hand and my current read on building a healthy beehive, I found myself returning to that little corner time and time again. Sometimes to read. Sometimes to simply watch the light move across the vines. It was the spot that drew me in every. Darn. Time.

One afternoon I reached for a colouring book instead. There was something wonderfully nostalgic about sitting by the fire, gel pens scattered across the table, as the flames crackled nearby. The hours slipped by unnoticed, replaced by a sense of calm that’s often hard to find in the rush of everyday life. I need these kinda afternoons to keep me whole and happy.

As the afternoon melted into evening, I wandered down to the lake nestled just below the abode. Perched on an old boat, I watched the setting sun filter through the trees, painting ribbons of gold across the water. I got lost in my thoughts for a little while, watching the light dance across the water. Back at the cottage, I lit the outdoor fire and settled into the cool country evening. Wisps of smoke drifted lazily through the vineyard as the flames flickered beside me, creating the kind of moment that asks for nothing more than your presence.

Before it was time to leave, the host invited me to sample a selection of wines from the vineyard. Each pour carried a little piece of the landscape I’d spent the weekend admiring. It was, quite simply, divine.

Just a few minutes down the road, the friendly township of Lancefield welcomed me with warm smiles and excellent coffee. My visit was brief, but long enough to know I’ll be back to wander its streets another day.

This hideaway, surrounded by vines, reminded me that the simplest rituals can become the moments you remember most. A quiet cup of tea. A glowing fire. Sunshine through the window. A lake at sunset. And a final glass of wine that tasted just as beautiful as the place it came from.