Blue Gum Country Lodge

Good food, a beautiful setting, comfort and relaxation interspersed with some conscience-easing activity - this is what the word 'holiday' means to me. And clearly to Blue Gum Country Lodge, who like to add a touch of English opulence to the formula: Pimms, complimentary afternoon tea and scones (all mmm)... oh, and anyone for tennis? Borrow a racquet for a quick game or alternatively a mountain-bike for an uphill slog and downhill breeze. If that's not your thing, dig out a bird book and sit with a check-list and a glass of wine. Beyond the ancient blue gum (the actual tree that is), weaver birds busy themselves by the dam, and grapes on the newly-planted vines dream of one day becoming bottles of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and shiraz. The yellow buildings with sky-blue shutters are all recently built, a sophisticated lodge with beds piled high with pillows, sometimes themed rooms (zebra, monkey, elephant), swish bathrooms and numerous plush conservatories, lounges with sofas, verandahs (I lost count), bar, restaurant and breakfast room. Breakfast is more like brunch in size, content and until-late serving time, specialities a muesli bake, eggs Benedict, sweet corn fritters, crispy bacon and home-made tomato chutney. Evening cheese, biscuits and sherry are placed on each private terrace to whet the appetite before the a la carte evening supper.