BEDROOMS the spacious master bedroom has a queen size bed, an ensuite bathroom and walk- in wardrobe, and an outlook of cool green ferns growing beside the north deck. The second bedroom is currently used as a study, and has a small sofa which converts to a single bed. The third bedroom has a double bed, and views of trees and glimpses of ocean. The second and third bedrooms are adjacent to a spacious bathroom with a full size bath, toilet and separate shower. There’s lots of storage space, cupboards and built in wardrobes.

GOURMET KITCHEN has gas cooktop with wok burner, and a fan forced electric oven. There’s a microwave, a dishwasher, and a large pantry. A Weber gas BBQ currently located on the south facing deck is on a wheeled trolley, so you can cook and entertain in whichever area suits.

AIRY OPEN-PLAN LOUNGE AND DINING area has views of trees and glimpses of the sea. A flat screen television, dvd player, and speakers can connect to an iPhone/iTouch/iPad. A router provides access to internet. There is no fixed line telephone as we use our mobile phones.

COOLING AND HEATING an electric reverse cycle air conditioner caters for the few high summer days when the sea breeze is not enough to cool the house. Louvres on most windows provide excellent flow of air through the house, and take advantage of breezes coming from most directions. A gas space heater warms the house on those evenings in mid winter that may have a nip. The South Coast enjoys a temperate climate.

The garden is minimal, easy care Australian native plants which look after themselves, but appreciate a light hosing in a dry spell.

CAR: A Suzuki SX 4 AWD 2 litre engine wagon will be available, with appropriate adjustments to insurance etc.

OUR REGION - Long Beach is a quiet area -it is a destination, not a place to pass through on the way to somewhere else. And we have nice neighbours!

Batemans Bay has good shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes, health care, marinas, bicycle shops, chandleries and access to national parks. The Clyde River runs into the Bay, so this picturesque area is ideal for water recreation of all types - water skiing, fishing, sailing. The outer reaches have many oyster farms, and the area’s oysters are renowned for their size and flavour, coming from the unpolluted environment. Half an hour south is the village of Mogo, a hub of cafes and gift shops, and a bit further beyond there is a world class zoo with rare snow leopards and white lions, where the animals live in as natural an environment as possible.

Long Beach is two hours from Canberra, the national capital with theatres, museums,shopping, galleries, parks and embassies. Canberra itself is one and a half hours from the Snowy Mountains which offer high country hiking amongst alpine summer flowers, and skiing in winter at charming alpine villages such as Thredbo. We are a four hour drive from Sydney, via the highway which passes through coastal villages and becomes a freeway closer to Sydney

ABOUT US - Recently retired, Tony and Pat have had careers in the Australian public (civil) service, mainly in Australia's capital city, Canberra. Tracing Tony’s family history has brought us to the UK several times, particularly Devon and Cornwall, and we have come to love the green landscapes, wonderful history, friendly people, picturesque villages. Pat was born in Prague and looks forward to opportunities to visit her remaining family. She is also looking forward to more time for sketching and landscape painting. We are keen walkers, cyclists, travellers who like to go to new places and meet new people, and also enjoy reading, art and films.

EXCHANGE-Ideally we would like a longer term exchange, starting in 2014 in southern or western England so we can experience the change of seasons and come to know the people and lovely places in more depth