An escape. As any consummate urbanite knows, the key to successful city living is to always have one — particularly come winter. Traditionally, the default prescription was to abandon ship altogether, fleeing overseas in pursuit of higher temperatures and reduced responsibilities. However, a subtle shift in perspective shines the light on the myriad winter escapes that don’t necessitate a shore change. One such bolthole making a case for leaning into an Australian winter is Simpson Cottage, a 150-year-old sandstone cottage overlooking Port Hacking.
Ensconced within the leafy surrounds of the Royal National Park in the coastal village of Bundeena, just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Simpson Cottage offers a quintessentially Australiana respite from the chill. Located behind an unassuming white picket fence at the end of a suburban cul de sac, Simpson Cottage sits atop a clifftop that captures panoramic views of the national park and the still waters of Simpsons Bay beyond.
While today its sandstone facade is complemented by coastal and Scandi-chic influences, the cottage itself dates back well over a century. George Simpson was one of the first men to be granted land in the area, receiving 20 hectares of land in the region now known as Bonnie Vale in 1863. While the Irish migrant was not the first man to be granted crown land, he was the first to establish a settlement there, building a sandstone cottage—using local, convict-hewn sandstone—as well as a dairy, stockyards, and pigsty. The latter elements of the homestead have since fallen victim to the passing of time, however the sandstone cottage retains its original charm.
The addition of a modern kitchen and expansive bathroom as well as a native plant and wildflower garden by the previous owner, landscape architect Monique Corah, and the further renovation and interior decoration by current owner—or “caretaker,” as she prefers to be called—Tara Larnach has given the cottage a new lease on life by preserving and enhancing its historical features.
“We do not see ourselves as owners but as caretakers of a very precious piece of Sydney’s history,” shares Tara Larnach. “I feel privileged to share the space with people to make cherished memories here with their loved ones. We envisioned the cottage as an antidote to the stresses of daily life and the perfect way to experience the magic of this unique location.”
Perched above Simpson Bay and flanked by the Royal National Park, Simpson Cottage spans three bedrooms and a cosy sitting room that opens out onto the veranda, with a sympathetic extension on the rear end housing a generously sized bathroom and laundry, modern kitchen, and casual dining area, all with underfloor heating.
Inside, the sandstone cottage’s vintage appeal is leaned into, by way of layered design with an emphasis on vintage and antique pieces. Larnach worked with stylist Hannah Brady to scour auction houses, antique stores, and her father’s tool shed to source unique objects that complement the cottage’s history — think, a Singer sewing machine table in the second bedroom and old-school breadboxes and sugar bowls in the kitchen. Rooted in time without being a victim to it, the space is balanced out by modern amenities like Smeg appliances in the kitchen, as well as a sundrenched neutral coastal colour palette accented with locally sourced pottery, curated coffee table books in the sitting room, and handmade linen sheets.
Making use of its plum location, the cosiness of the cottage is complemented by an emphasis on outdoor gathering spaces; a sitting area with a firepit in the back is surrounded by wildflowers and native plants, while a picnic table at the front overlooks the bay and Bonnie Vale Beach, making for the ideal lunch spot.
With ample sunny spots and snug hideouts, there’s ample room both solitude and gathering in equal measure — a trait that recommends Simpson Cottage to multi-generational gatherings, elopements, and even the silver screen, with the series The Last Anniversary—based on the Liane Moriarty book of the same name—shot here last year.
Now, the best thing to do at Simpson Cottage is simply to sit in the winter sun with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other—the most difficult decision being whether to opt for the Spiced Hive chai blend or the Morning Pekoe—however those desirous of stretching their legs are well catered to with direct access to Bonnie Vale Beach where you can walk, swim, and kayak, as well as the nearby Jibbon Beach Loop Track, a five-kilometre walk along the shoreline from Bundeena and Jibbon Beach, trailing through ancient Indigenous rock carvings.
While time exacts change on many things, the simple pleasure of holing up in a cosy cottage to weather the cold season has ensured from the late George Simpson’s time to ours.
Simpson Cottage is available for bookings, priced from $690AUD/night for a minimum of two nights.
Address: 8 Simpson Rd, Bundeena, NSW, Australia
Words by T. Angel
