"Please keep quiet, I could get used to this peace", whispered my wife as we listened to the crackle of the fire late one chilly evening.
At the start of this year, we had recently begun to adopt a STILL lifestyle at home.
So when we had the chance to jump into the Subaru Outback for another Great Australian Detour, we chose Simpson Cottage, a destination whose marketing love note was “To Embrace The Slow Life, a place where you come to escape and let go of the tension you didn't even know you were holding".
Tucked away in a corner of the Royal National Park built in the 1860s as the original home of the Simpson family. Sensitively restored, this 3-bedroom cottage provides a unique experience, where you can enjoy the charm of the old cottage blended with stylish contemporary living with fantastic water and National Park views.
Bundeena, we knew of it but in all my years living in Sydney, have never been. With the Outback packed with luggage, I started ignition, punched the address into Maps, plugged the mobile phone in with the USB Connectivity, and using Apple CarPlay®1 we decided on my favourite Acoustic Covers playlist to help us arrive in a SLOW manner. Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control also helped us to drive STILL and arrive SLOW.
First impressions are so important. Simpsons Cottage was full of texture. Nothing bland and plastic. Hues of brown camel and sand, the same colours that are synonymous with mood, feelings, good taste and even luxury.
Despite being surrounded by suburbia, once you entered the gates and property, you were transported back in time, your mind and eyes never looked beyond the fence line. Your senses fixated on the peace, nature's gifts and the beautiful water-views. We were present and aware of the changing time of day, our mood pleasantly interrupted by the screech of the cockatoos and the cackle of kookaburras in the morning.
I recently read a verse, which seemed so appropriate for our time there.
"When were you last still?
Without movement and motion.
And free from thoughts tumbling and rumbling ahead.
But still in the silent depths of quiet calm.
Holding a space for now."
I have quickly learnt that life is less about focusing on the usual path, but giving ourselves more time to discover beautiful places that allow us a greater chance to connect, and more opportunities to learn, laugh and grow together through the people, and experiences we come across when we detour off the main roads.
Delly Carr - Subaru Ambassador
2022 Subaru Outback AWD Touring
1. Compatible Apple® device required.
