Bluewater

Laundry can be dealt with in the washing machine, in a designated room which also has a dryer, and you have an iron and ironing board for the finishing touches. The way Bluewater has been decorated maximises the natural light, with slightly off-white walls that make the spacious interior feel bright and positive. Rather than being split up into three separate rooms, the kitchen, dining area and living space are part of one airy open-plan room, complete with dining table, sofa and a coffee table that has a chequerboard pattern built into it – ideal if you are chess or draughts players.

Additional entertainment comes from the flat-screen television and its accompanying DVD player, and wireless internet means you can get online any time you wish. The house is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, so you can be sure of peace and quiet both indoors and when enjoying the furnished patio and garden, where you can also find a barbecue set. It is quite a view from the deck, with Great Oyster Bay sweeping out before you.

While the owners do not allow either pets or smoking, it is a family friendly place and if you have small children with you there is also the provision of a cot and high chair. Those of you driving to the property will be able to use the plentiful off-road parking space.

The region of Coles Bay is excellent when it comes to shopping, eating out, and proximity to places of interest. You only have to drive for a few minutes to reach the beach, whether on Coles Bay itself or the larger Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet National Park Visitors Centre, or Freycinet Marine Farm. There are boat and plane trips on offer, so you are not restricted to exploring entirely from terra firma. Bike hire makes it possible to cover more of the trails than would be possible on foot, while at a walking pace there is obviously more to take in. Clockwise round the bay and you reach the Hazards Mountains, while counter-clockwise takes you to the holiday town of Swansea. It’s hard to get bored here.