Driving a winding country road just outside of Rylstone, NSW, over in the distance I could see a house on top of a hill. A quick glance at the GPS told me this just might be where I was headed!
My accommodation was a shed converted into a studio next to the main house, high on a hill. With separate entrance it was fairly private despite being not far from the house, and once inside it didn't look or feel anything like a shed anymore, but a luxury suite with views over the paddocks and hills of the property.
On arrival I was welcomed by the host's enthusiastic moodle named Gertie (this made my day, as you can imagine!), and we proceeded to take fifty five photos trying to get a selfie with Gertie looking somewhat towards the the camera. With that out of the way she left me to settle in and look around.
The interior decorating of the studio transforms an ordinary shed into a space you don't want to leave. With plenty of earthy colours and natural textures, attention has been paid to every detail. The studio feels cosy, with a combustion heater for cold days and nights, and a reverse cycle air conditioner to keep cool in warmer weather. The country quiet and sunrise views make it an unforgettable stay.
During my stay I spent a morning in Rylstone having a look around the historic town, went to 29 Nine 99 for yum cha, did the Ferntree Gully Reserve loop walk, checked out Windamere Dam and Naked Lady Wines, but mostly I was content to sit on the deck at Skyfarm Studio and take in the view. I also ventured outside at 10pm on the second night to set up my camera to shoot the Milky Way. I was convinced there was a kangaroo or some other kind of wildlife sneaking up on me in the pitch black, but the sky so dark and the stars SO bright I couldn't miss that opportunity for some astrophotography.
