OH DEAR! We've let Bay Post/Moruya Examiner Gossip Gal Dawn Simpson loose in other people's houses.
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When I saw Congo in the DOMAIN real estate insert I thought, 'great, I've always wanted to tour deepest darkest Africa and especially the Congo region' but I was in for a big surprise.
On the 10 minute drive in to the Congo from Moruya, I was delighted to see that the road had finally been tarmacked (thanks to John Loudon McAdam who invented it in 1770!) and the drive was smooth until about 1km just before the village. I deduced that this was a cunning plan to keep this little bit of paradise a secret from the yuppie four wheel drivers who don't like to get dust on their vehicles, because after 1km of gravel, I was back onto the tarmac.
Almost immediately on my right, I found what I was looking for, 648 Congo Rd, Congo. A real delight!
Set back on the block from a garden, was an architecturally designed cottage by Anna Pender of Canberra. In soft grey, it complimented the surrounding greenery. Bower birds, sparrows and wrens frolic in the garden as I approach the sun laden verandah.
There's nothing dark about this cottage. Inspiration for the design came to the owner after spending time living on the block in a caravan that had a pop-up top which allowed views of the surrounding swamp mahoganys and grand coastal trees.
READ MORE: Property | South Coast houses of the week
Light streams in from the many windows and I feel like i'm back inside that cosy caravan or perhaps a tent with the flaps up.
Classic FM is playing softly in the background but I think Acca Dacca would be equally at home here. The cottage feels like a beach cabin, yet is complete with all the mod cons. Attached to the main cabin is a studio (so many different uses rush through my mind; painting, sewing, writing, singing) and a guest wing with views to the backyard veggie garden.
The property borders a farm where cattle graze in the distance and the creek is a stones throw away. Peace and quiet are thrown in for good measure and sitting in the backyard, surrounded by rural views, would be a great way to get back to nature ... in more ways than one! The owner believes in the philosophy of "live lightly on the land" - and that's the feeling you get.
The cottage is almost completely self sufficient with plenty of water including grey water tanks which serve the composting toilet. The vegetable gardens are full of natures bounty and the temperature inside is comfortable due to the great insulation and double glazed windows. Unspoiled Congo Beach is a gentle stroll from the cottage.
Come and visit this cottage I loved, admire the artwork on the walls (the owners' own work) but don't get too comfortable because you will find it hard to leave.