About a month ago, Murray and I decided to go
on a short holiday of a week. We drove to Jenolan Caves on Sunday the 29th
August 1999, and on the next day took a guided walking tour of two of the most
interesting caves—the very fine “Orient” and the ginormous Lucas
cave, famous for its Cathedral chamber in which concerts are regularly held.
For the rest of the week, we were
based at MAG member Brian Johnstone’s fabulous guesthouse, Manderley,
at Wentworth Falls. Brian, who was an interior decorator in his youth, built and
decorated the house himself. It has an amazing fantasy, late Victorian plus
1920s art-deco look, like the set of a Hollywood period piece of that time.
Drapes, chandeliers, indoor plants, a dressed shop mannequin, old-world lights
and 1880-style statues, help to further the illusion.
The guest bedroom is done
out in pinks and blacks and has the feel of a plush honeymoon boudoir.
Not only was Brian’s guesthouse an incredible escape from reality, his friendly
hospitality, wonderful breakfasts, and most reasonable prices, made our stay an
absolute joy. We can thoroughly recommend it, as a first-class escape from
the humdrum of city life. Also, you should see his “vroom-vroom” car!
You might recall that last year Brian generously donated a raffle prize, won by Don Boden, of bed-and-breakfast for a night for two or two nights for one MAG member. This year he is offering us two raffle prizes like last year’s. So watch out for this raffle.