Travel Notes | On the Road to Bundeena
Bede and Jemima take Saddler & Co on the road to Bundeena, travelling well worn paths to the places of memory, heritage, and windswept days. Nestled within a tactile environment of sandstone, harbour and bushland, the sea and coastal shoreline, our leather goods travel at ease.
Early in the morning we pack our leather travel bags and take to the back roads. The countryside vista awakens to spring sunshine, mist rises over freshly ploughed paddocks, and the plains slowly give way to mountain crossings.
We traverse undulating landscapes as we leave Dubbo and head towards Mudgee, then on through the Blue Mountains winding our way down the outskirts of Sydney, to arrive at the picturesque village of Bundeena.
Location: Simpson Cottage, Bundeena
While our daily work is based in the country regions, our craft is made for everyone. It travels with us to the city and coast, the plains and mountains.
The journey takes us through the wild and naturally untamed Royal National Park. We can smell the sea salt in the air, with the windows open to welcome the ocean breeze. Layers of ancient coastline, flowering banksias, hazy horizons.
Tucked away into the surrounding bush landscape, we discover an original sandstone home, built in the 1860s and now sensitively restored by Tara Larnach. Here is the charm of an old cottage, layered with European linens, historic touches, and boasting private views over the sea and National Park.
While Bundeena is an easy hour’s drive from Sydney - here at Simpson Cottage one has escaped into the calm tranquility of sheltered beach wanders, national park adventures, and seaside bliss. It’s the perfect space to gather as an intimate group of family, and we settle ourselves in.
“While our daily work is based in the country regions, our craft is made for everyone. It travels with us to the city and coast, the plains and mountains.”
Our Highlights:
— wandering down the private track to explore Bonnie Vale Beach
— sunrise over the sea
— cooking a meal to share under the outdoor fairy lights
— drinks around the fire pit
— exploring the harbour
— ferry service from Bundeena to Cronulla
— picnic in the National Park
— driving into the city to explore Sydney
Showcased above, Eric holds our NEW Saddler's Briefcase and, Eric & Taylor are pictured with The Heirloom Picnic Blanket and the Overnighter Bag.
At Simpson Cottage, Taylor carries the Essential Bag in Caramel.
Tucked away in a corner of the Royal National Park, Simpson Cottage was built in the 1860s as the original home of the Simpson family. Honestly restored, this 3-bedroom cottage provides a unique experience, where you can enjoy the charm of the old cottage blended with stylish contemporary living and fantastic water and National Park views. Located in Bundeena, only 29km south of Sydney, it's the perfect setting of bays, beaches and bushland.
"We’ve filled the cottage with treasures from a bygone era, but they must be useful, have a story and be beautiful -everything is here for a reason."
- Tara, owner of Simpson Cottage
Above, leather products complimenting the interior design of the cottage - The Overnighter and Glasses Case in Caramel. Below, Eric holds the Laptop Case.
Above, the scenic bays, beaches and bushland of the picturesque Bundeena village.
In the good company of family, we welcomed Bede’s brother Eric and wife Taylor, who joined us as models for this shoot. A special mention to Jemima’s sister, Sophie, as styling assistant and model too.
What a privilege to work with our dear sister, Abbie Melle, to create lifestyle imagery to share with the world. Saddler & Co is delighted to share the results of our venturing into this seaside hideaway, and the upcoming release of our city and summer imagery.
Thank you to Tara for the warm welcome to Simpson Cottage, and please click this link to explore this accommodation further.
Until next time,
Bede & Jemima
Photography by Abbie Melle
Words by Jemima Aldridge