I am a wordsmith by trade, but I can’t find the words to properly express our wonderful, wonder-filled stay at Carramar Cottage in Avonsleigh. The cottage is designed perfectly for a couple. Our host has thought of every detail, even equipping the kitchen with a citrus zester, which is a rare find. The house is charming, it has every amenity imaginable. The lot is really a paradise, nestled in the Dardenong Ranges it is secluded and private even though the host lives 200 feet away. The morning is welcomed by a chorus of birds who provide entertainment throughout the day. Near dusk you will see a variety of wildlife around the cottage and you will see the magnificent sunsets every day. All of this just a handful of miles from Emerald, a charming community with cafes, dinners and restaurants offering every conceivable tour of cuisine. While this is all beyond beautiful, the best part of the stay is a visit from the host who can give you a history of the property and a good sense of the activities available in close proximity to Avonsleigh. Bring your hiking boots, there are hundreds of trails from easy flat tracks to challenging climbs, all in the magnificent forests in the area. If you want to experience the city, Melbourne is only an hour or so away. The only regret we had was that we only stayed for a week. We knew from the moment that we arrived that we had found Paradise and we were right. Many thanks to our hosts.