Notes from the host
Pool & Charming Beach Cottage
Decorated with an eye to the original 'coastal beach house vibe', ‘Arvos Cottage’ is one of the few remaining beach cottages to take you back to a simpler place and time, while offering all the comforts of fine accommodation: comfy new beds, quality linen and stylishly understated decor.
Bathed in natural northern light, this small holiday cottage has two outdoor entertainment areas, a large pool and breathtaking views south over bushland and out to Newport Reef and the Pacific Ocean. Drink in the sun by the pool during the day after a walk to the beach for your early morning swim and then a private enjoy outdoor shower before relaxing with an afternoon aperitif or 'sundowner' at the rustic outdoor ‘bar’, to watch the light change over the ocean as the sun slowly sets.
While the house is small there are four separate seating areas (five if you include the pool) so there is space for everyone to unwind and still the mind.
The cottage is within walking distance to three of Sydney’s most beautiful surfing and patrolled swimming beaches: Bilgola (8 min walking downhill), Avalon (10 min walking) and Newport (15 min walking) . It doesn't get much better than that. Each beach is home to one of Sydney’s world-famous ocean pools. For overseas visitors this is an experience not to be missed. One of the most visited holiday articles in the NYT is the story of the Northern Beaches ocean pools, specifically mentioning Newport and Palm Beach pools.
Charming Avalon Village, situated by the sea, with its holiday vibe, hip shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, local cinema and our wonderful bookshop Bookoccino (drop in for a coffee or wine, say hello to the staff, and ask about the best reads) is a leisurely ten minutes or less stroll away, or 2 minutes by car. Keep an eye out during the summer months, especially around Christmas and January for the famous faces.
The still waters of Pittwater, with its camping, sailing, bushwalking, fishing, swimming and snorkelling is a short drive away.
Breakfast at Zubi's on Bilgola Beach; a walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse; lunch at Dune's or Jonah's (Palm Beach); afternoon Happy Hour drinks at Barrenjoey House (we recommend the flatbread to go with your drink) or maybe dinner at the exclusive Berts Restaurant at The Newport, are all highly recommended (although not all on the same day!). There is so much to do and see in the area.
Relax in the serenity of the (almost secret) Bible Garden where your breath will be taken away by the view over Palm Beach and up the north coast. Maybe you'd like a game of golf (or two or three) on one of the many local courses, or a picnic lunch to almost any of the beaches or headlands on the Peninsular (we recommend Bilgola Headland). Perhaps you'd prefer a drive out to take in the view from West Head before choosing one of the many walks in the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park with its Aboriginal art. A ferry ride to the Basin, or to Cottage Point and its famous restaurant, are all possibilities, as is the sea plane from Palm Beach to Cottage Point or the city. You might like a ferry to Patonga to visit the local pub by the jetty? One of our favourite things to do for a special day is a ferry ride from Palm Beach to Patonga and then a walk from Patonga over the headlands to the holiday village of Pearl Beach where you can have a swim, a relaxing lunch at the pub or a meal at Pearls on the Beach (local restaurant - make sure you book) before taking a taxi/Uber back to Patonga and your afternoon ferry trip back to Palm Beach.
While there is so much to do on the Northern Beaches there is also a plethora of dining with cuisines from across the globe. If you are interested in fine dining we can point you in the right direction (Bert's, Dunes, Jonah's, Barrenjoey House) or if you just want some good hardy food and a good vibe we can help you with that too. The Elvina Restaurant in Avalon (a short walk from Arvos Cottage) is one of our favourites.
While the cottage is old and relaxingly simple it is important to us that we make your stay as comfortable as possible, in this regard the cottage boasts many creature comforts. There is air conditioning in the living area and main bedroom, a large Apple TV with Netflix and Kayo etc, large comfy lounges, Smeg electric oven and a gas cooktop, microwave and a large two-door French fridge. The outdoor covered dining and lounge area facing the pool is amazingly good any time of day and weather.
Although Arvos has three bedrooms (1 queen bed, 1 double bed and 1 king single) we encourage a maximum of four adults, or two adults and two children for comfort.
There are two car parking spaces at Arvos Cottage and the bus stop to the city, Palm Beach and Manly a few metres away.
In accordance with short term rental regulations regulations, and local and state government policy, but also in respect for the privacy of our neighbours and their right to enjoy their own homes without being disturbances by our guests, please note that Arvos Cottage CANNOT BE USED FOR PARTIES OR FUNCTIONS. We cannot stress enough that if the latter is your intention you would be better served finding other accommodation. Any guests breaking this rule will be forced to leave.
Moreover, only registered guests are allowed on the premises. However, if you want friends or family to drop by I'm sure that can be accommodated but please just let us know beforehand.
We hope you understand our concerns and will respect our rules.
If you are not sure about this, or have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime. Denise and Alan, Matt’s parents, live close by and will be able to help with any questions you have.
