The moment I laid eyes it I knew I had found my tranquil country retreat.
Lavanda a historic Victorian Homestead in New England Region of NSW
The house is on a one-hectare property in Tamworth, just five minutes drive from the town centre.
Lavanda comes from the Italian spelling of Lavender
The owner Karen wanted to create a relaxing, tranquil retreat for guest, and given these are the therapeutic qualities of Lavender it seemed natural that this would be the name of their B & B.
Walking about the gardens, I found the grounds to be even more picturesque than the brochures.
Various species of lavender lined the drive way of the restored 1890’s cottage.
Such a historic gem when you consider that Tamworth was first gazetted only 40 years before being built.
One of Tamworth’s more original dwellings.
The grounds are beautiful in a charming formal meets cottage garden style.
The formality and structure come from the clipped box hedges, pots of cylindrically pruned plants, urns, statues and well designed “garden rooms.”
In contrast, the lavender, daisies gardenias, and roses all lend a lazy cottage garden feel.
The planting has been thoughtful, and the flowers chosen are all perfectly arranged.
I am not one to use colour in abandon in my garden, so I have to admit the style and elegance of the grounds make me feel instantly at home.
Inside the decor is French country style, elegant and welcoming.
Lavender Cottage can accommodate eight couples. Guests have a choice of either room in the main building or a self-contained cottage.
Our room had a lovely airy feel, and modern, elegant décor.
Each room has a set of French doors which led onto a deck with seating.
There are a private courtyard area and a picture perfect view of the gardens.
We had the average room in the guest house, but we still found that the property was very private.
Each of the rooms had their bathroom, and the lavender beauty products supplied were another example of the attention to detail we enjoyed our stay.
Also included in the tariff is a delicious continental breakfast. During our visit, we enjoyed homemade bread, jam and condiments and two varieties of homemade muesli.
Each person can help themselves to tea and coffee, orange juice and milk.
I chose a nice big bowl of organic, local fruit salad, but decided to forgo the yoghurt on offer, and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea.
Mr GG is a toast and vegemite boy and tried the Spelt Bread with lashings of butter and vegemite… oh to have the metabolism of a boy 🙁
Breakfast served in the communal dining room, but guests are also welcome to adjourn to one of the courtyards for a private lunch if they so desire.
Another lovely touch is the welcoming afternoon tea delicacies.
Upon arrival, Karen served high tea with handmade treats.
We enjoyed a delicious shortbread cream biscuit each and a dark chocolate truffle.
The shortbread was my favourite!
The biscuit was truly buttery and crisp and the icing which sandwiched the halves together was a perfect sweet match.
I will be coming back for the recipe as I expect the cravings will be relentless.
Lavanda Bed & Breakfast
104 Calala Lane Tamworth NSW 2340
Phone: 02 6762 6026 Mobile: 04 8803 6561