Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn: Cocora Cottage

You probably wouldn't think I'm B&B girl by looking at me or reading this blog. And indeed previously reviewed accommodation would be strong evidence you're right.

However, you're wrong.

There's very little I love more than a good old fashioned British Bed & Breakfast with creaking floor-boards, slightly sloping walls, a log fire in every room and original doorways that you have to bend down slightly to walk through. And a thatched roof, if you don't mind

Well, this was exactly what I found in a small town on the west coast of Australia. A lovely surprise. Cocora Cottage is old, though not old enough to require a stooped stumble through the doorways, and part of the building was the original police station of Eden, the town I blogged about recently because of it being at the centre of Australia's whaling history.Run with love and care by Gail and David, Cocora Cottage is actually situated directly opposite the Killer Whale Museum, though on a sunny day you'd struggle to leave the second floor lounge room and sun terrace, which provide beautiful views across Twofold Bay. Unfortunately for us a huge, domineering grey cloud ensured we stayed inside.Unlike many other places we rocked up to on the day, we had a choice of accommodation. We decided to treat ourselves to one of the two B&Bs in Eden and we were quite pretentious in having a look in both of them before committing to one. Both were old, both had great historic charm, both promised a comfortable sleep and lavish breakfast and importantly for us, both had free wi-fi.

So why did we bunk up at Cocora Cottage? Well, because of Gail and David. We spoke to Gail on the phone prior to our arrival and she was warm and welcoming. David then gave us a tour and he was warm and welcoming.Our stay was laced with generous extras; a welcoming glass of wine each served with nibbles, tea, coffee and biscuits in a separate lounge room across the corridor from our room, which was replaced in the evening with complimentary port and chocolates.

Many Europeans claim to miss "old things" when they travel in USA and in Australia and I hate to say that I'm probably one of them. But Cocora Cottage is truth that the old in Australia, where it exists, is very often lovingly restored, looked after and shared with others.

I think this lovely thought alone helped me drift off into a very sound and sweet sleep that night...

Frances M. Thompson

Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
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