Warm and friendly

Now’s the time to take in the beauty of a South Coast winter and experience the sights and friendly hospitality of the region.

Sunshine Farmstay, between Albany and Denmark, is a perfect home away from home and a regular stop-off for visitors from around the world.

“We have people that come every year with their kids — we’ve watched them grow up, ” owner Darlene Burkin said.

It’s this type of warmth that exudes from Sunshine Farmstay.

Arriving at the end of a long day, it warms both body and soul to find the wood fire lit.

Darlene likes to treat guests to a loaf of freshly baked bread in the mornings and her husband, Geoff, provides honey from his bees.

The two-storey holiday house comfortably sleeps seven guests while Jajelup Cottage, a historic stone building, features two bedrooms. Jajelup Cottage also has furnishings from all over the world, including Middle Eastern rugs and Asian pottery.

With three bedrooms, Sunshine has plenty of room for the family and friends.

Upstairs there are two bedrooms (with very comfy beds and linen) as well as a separate TV and a balcony to take in the awesome sunrise.

Downstairs the open plan living/dining/kitchen area has everything you need, from washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave and kitchen utensils to books, toys and games.

Close to both Albany and Denmark, Sunshine Farm is a perfect halfway point for holiday makers or visitors to the area. Covering about 36 hectares, peaceful serenity is ensured.

For ‘twitchers’ it’s a must stay destination — the owners say more than 50 bird species have been spotted in the area. A running list and tally can be found at the farmstay, but BYO binoculars.

And it wouldn’t be a farmstay without animals — Roo the kangaroo is a frequent visitor as are possums and other native animals.

You can also meet the cows and horses, feed the chooks and talk to Snowy the dog.

Enjoy five acres of private forest with walking trails, including the local section of the Bibbulmun Track, or get on your bike and explore the many bike paths. When completed, the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike Trail, stretching 1000km from Perth to Albany, will ? pass near the property. For those who prefer to stay closer to home there’s more than enough room for a game of backyard cricket or bocce.

If that’s not your style, a drink or two on the veranda or around the barbecue might be a better way to end the day.

Albany is just a 20-minute drive away — explore the rich history of the area or keep an eye out for the whales making their way past at the moment. Albany is also full of boutique shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Twenty minutes in the other direction is Denmark, a peaceful village atmosphere with rolling farm hills and forest scenery.

See www.sunshinefarmstay.com for more information.

Kim Cousins stayed at Sunshine Farmstay courtesy of Geoff and Darlene Burkin