Peter and I have been home for three and a half weeks now, but it’s been a very challenging three and a half weeks. My time has gone into taking care of my elderly parents, a task that demands both physical and emotional strength. The days have been long, filled with appointments, medication schedules, but also moments of tender care. While it is a privilege to support them, the weight of responsibility has been heavy on our shoulders.

Today, recognising our need for a break, Peter and I decided to have a day off and get away from the city. We yearned for the tranquillity and rejuvenation that only the countryside can offer. With a sense of anticipation, we set out on our little escape.

The drive itself was therapeutic. As we left the city behind, the landscape gradually transformed from urban sprawl to open fields and rolling hills. The rhythm of the car, the hum of the tires on the road, and the familiar countryside views brought an immediate sense of calm.

Our first stop, only half an hour away, was Caldermeade Farm and Cafe, which has a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

As we pulled into the farm, we were greeted by the sight of lush green pastures dotted with grazing cows and the facade of the cafe.

The cafe was alive with the cheerful strains of live music, as a singer was performing “You Are My Sunshine.” Just as we arrived, a busload of elderly people pulled in, filling the place with a bustling energy. Inside the farm’s quaint little shop, shelves were lined with local produce, creamy dairy products, and charming handmade crafts, all invitingly displayed.

On a typical day, I would have happily settled in for a cuppa and indulged in their delectable house-made ice cream, perhaps even picking up a few treats from the shop. But today, the crowd was unusually large, and the wait time promised to be lengthy.

There’s something uniquely enchanting about the simple joys of farm life. The unhurried pace, the connection to nature, and the rhythmic routines all combine to create an atmosphere of peaceful contentment. Caldermeade Farm encapsulates this perfectly, offering a serene escape from the demands of daily life.

After deciding to explore the outdoors, we meandered through the farm, taking in the fresh air and the sounds of the countryside. We visited the long-haired Highland cows, their impressive horns and shaggy coats making them stand out like gentle giants. Watching them graze peacefully in the green pastures was a calming experience, a reminder of life’s slower, simpler rhythms.

Next, we headed over to the goats, who greeted us with curious eyes and playful antics. They occasionally came up to the fence, hoping for a friendly pat or a treat. Their boundless energy and mischievous behaviour brought smiles to our faces, capturing the heartwarming essence of farm life.

We then strolled over to the pond, where a gaggle of geese were gracefully gliding across the water.

Their honking calls and synchronised movements created a picturesque scene, straight out of a countryside postcard. What made me laugh the most was the way the geese loudly honked at Peter and how he kept talking back to them.

Our visit to Caldermeade Farm was a delightful journey into the heart of farm life.

Before long, we resumed our journey. The primary purpose of today’s countryside drive was to visit Loch Village but our first stop was Cape Horn Lookout.

As we reached Cape Horn Lookout, located close to Loch Village in South Gippsland, we were greeted by breathtaking vistas that stretched out before us. The view from the lookout was nothing short of spectacular, with rolling hills blanketed in vibrant greenery leading down to an expansive valley below.

The landscape was a tapestry of lush fields, dense forests, and winding country roads that seemed to disappear into the horizon. The undulating hills created a sense of depth and movement, their slopes adorned with patches of wildflowers that added bursts of colour to the verdant scene.

From this vantage point, the world seemed vast and full of wonder. The lookout provided a perfect spot to pause and take in the natural beauty that surrounded us, a reminder of the awe-inspiring landscapes just beyond our everyday routines, with their rich, rolling farmland and the serene, unspoiled nature of South Gippsland.

Loch Village is set in a stunningly beautiful countryside.

Walking through the streets of Loch Village felt like stepping into a charming, idyllic retreat.

The village’s quaint atmosphere was enhanced by its picturesque streets lined with inviting shops and cosy cafes.

We began our exploration by visiting the Yakkity Yak shop, known for its commitment to personally and ethically sourced products.

Each item in the store was handmade and lovingly crafted, eschewing mass production for a more thoughtful approach.

I couldn’t resist picking up a cute name day present for my daughter, as today was her special day.

Next, we stopped for lunch at Olive at Loch cafe.

The menu at Olive at Loch is refreshingly unstructured—there’s no set menu, just a cabinet brimming with comforting home-style food that pairs perfectly with a hot drink. The café’s offerings were both satisfying and heartwarming, a true reflection of its owners’ dedication to creating a welcoming space.

The shop section of Olive at Loch was equally delightful, stocked with an assortment of kitchenwares, garden tools, and locally produced edibles. It was a treasure trove of charming finds, each item adding to the café’s cosy, homey vibe.

Exploring Loch Village was a joyful experience, with each stop offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of this beautiful countryside setting.

From the ethically crafted goods at Yakkity Yak to the comforting fare at Olive at Loch, the village left us with a warm sense of contentment and a deeper appreciation for its simple, yet profound, charm.

As we continued our drive, I even stumbled upon my next dream home.

The escape to this picturesque countryside had been truly wonderful. It offered a much-needed break from our routine, immersing us in nature’s calming embrace and providing a chance to unwind. The day had been a perfect blend of charming discoveries and serene vistas, reminding us of the simple joys that lie just beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I highly recommend taking a country drive to Loch Village—you’re sure to fall in love with it. It’s a place I’ve visited many times, yet it continues to draw me back.

The map of today’s travels (there and back):