I’ve always loved the ideology of a log house, somewhere in America or Canada. Overlooking a huge lake that’s swimmable with a boat tied up on its moorings. Our whole family would head there for a long summer break with BBQ’s every night and lots of fun making new friends. It seemed as though it was a distant idyllic dream that was only obtainable in those foreign countries.
That was, until Log House Holidays got in touch and asked if we wanted to come and stay in Moondara Lodge for a few days back in January. We immediately accepted, looking forward to the prospect of my ‘glamping’ dream coming true. As the house comfortably sleeps eight people, we decided to invite my parents – my mum was free so joined us on our trip!
The house was exactly what we thought it would be and as soon as we had unpacked, we immediately popped open a bottle of bubbles, changed and headed to the hot tub to watch the sunset overlooking our beautiful private beach, moored rowing boat and firepit beyond.
Getting up the next morning was no easy feat after a night of the most spectacular storm any of us has ever witnessed, the wind blew so hard that we thought the roof of the cabin might get ripped straight off the walls. We needn’t have worried though, the log house kept us safe throughout the night and there wasn’t one bit of damage come morning. We woke ourselves up for the sunrise the next morning, sipping hot cups of steaming tea on our wooden bridge.
The water rippled into life as the birds started to glide out into the middle of the lake, going about their daily dabbling.
Ben and I pulled on welly boots after breakfast and ran out to the rowing boat. It was freezing, but lovely and warm in the winter sunshine so we hauled the boat out into the middle of the lake laughing and screaming as the water sloshed around in the bottom of the boat, trying to keep our clothes dry. It seemed the wellies were a necessity!
Photos taken and all laughed out from our mini boat trip, we ran back inside for a quick cup of tea before grabbing my mum for a long walk along the banks of the lake. Blue sky and sunshine set the backdrop for our walk and we cooed at each of the other Log Houses, choosing which we’d like to have as a little holiday home or to retire to reading books on the wooden piers overlooking the beautifully still water.
Along the banks, every so often there would be a little viewing point or a swinging chair overlooking the water to sit in and watch the world go by, or the path would veer off altogether into the woodlands with even more to see. We even came across a secret den topped with the severed heads of trespassers before us…
Tummies were rumbling when we returned to Moondara and we cooked up some hot soup before once more retiring to the hot tub for an early sunset with a few more glasses of bubbles!
After an early supper, we changed into something a little more comfortable to toast marshmallows on our beach.
The stars filled the sky, twinkling brightly away against the inky dark sky and we made wishes upon every shooting star.
Pepi happily lapped around the beach, snaffling toasted marshmallows every so often before retreating back to the banks of the lake to ‘guard’ us from the swans and geese that kept coming to check what we were doing. The sugar high eventually died down and we retreated indoors to the comfort of the fluffy sofas to catch the end of a Bond film. One by one, we all drifted off in the flickers of the flames of the fire, as sleep caught up with us as quickly as the roaring fire reduced itself to embers and we took ourselves off to bed.
Come morning, we had one last sunrise before it was sadly time to check out of our beautiful cosy home and we set off on the hunt for some lunch.
Although Ben and I were both in the midst of Veganuary, there was a promise of a 16th Century Inn serving some of the best Pub Food in the area. We knew we were going to have to forget Veganuary for one meal and I’m genuinely so glad we did, as it was some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. EVER!
The Wild Duck served up a delectable feast of:
Duck Shepherds Pie with Winter Greens and Root Vegetables for Ben and I to share
Pan Fried Calves Liver with Mashed Potato, Streaky Bacon, Sage & Onions for my mum
Wiltshire Wood Pigeon with Cime di Rapa, Black Pudding & Roasted Onions as the second dish for Ben and I to share
As I knew we would be going straight back to Veganism after the meal, I took my cue and also ordered a sticky toffee pudding which was beautiful. Sadly though, I wolfed it down before a picture could even be taken (!)
For a family or group of friends, it couldn’t have been a more perfect couple of days. The perfect little getaway in the middle of winter and just imagine what it’s like on a hot summer’s day with that unbelievably clear water and private beach, followed by a walk to the pub for lunch and a long soak in the hot tub in the evening. HEAVEN. We will definitely be back!
