We were lucky enough to be invited to spend a couple of days at Eight Willows Retreat by its owners and good friends Mike and Dorilyn.

Eight Willows is situated in Wilyabrup in Western Australia. Its about half way between Busselton and Margaret River. I’m lucky to live only three hours drive from this beautiful part of the world.

Jane and I arrived on Sunday afternoon and had the first day to ourselves. Being mates with the owners has its perks and we were treated to the “Residence“, which is the biggest house on the property. It is beautifully appointed with 4 large bedrooms, two bathrooms a massive kitchen, dining and living area.

Sunday afternoon we arrived , unpacked and explored the grounds.

Function Centre

Master Bedroom

Nap time

Kitchen in the Residence

Jordan at reception recommended an Italian place for dinner at Margaret River, so we made our way 24 kms south to La Scarpetta Trattoria. We couldn’t find parking close, so we parked further up the Bussell Highway. As we entered the restaurant, we realised it was actually Pizzica Pizzeria underneath the main La Scarpetta restaurant. We thought why not? we were already here. We ordered a pizza which turned out to be not that great.

Sneaky entrance to the Pizzeria

Margaret River town looking pretty as ever

We got ice creams on the way back. We opened a bottle of wine and watched TV before we were both dozing off. Country life caught up with us and we retired to bed.

The next morning we slept in (why not? again). We got up about 10 o’clock and decided to visit one of out favourite wineries, Woody Nook for a late breakfast. This was the third time Jane and I had been there. We always bought their Port, Nookie Delight. The breakfast was terrific and before we left we decided to reacquaint ourselves with their wines. We loved the Verdelho and as it was on special for $150/carton, we couldn’t resist – Christmas presents sorted! We also grabbed a few bottles of Nookie Delight.

We arrived back at Eight Willows just after midday to find Mike and Dorilyn and their kids, Shaun and Stephanie (Fifi) had arrived in their caravan. It seemed strange to learn that the first night of their caravan holiday was spent in a 4 1/2 star resort. They were travelling onto Denmark, Esperance and Kalgoorlie before heading back to Perth for Christmas. Having grown up in Singapore, it will be a great experience for Shaun and Fifi to see some Aussie countryside.

After Mike and Dorilyn settled in we went for a walk up the back of the property to the winery next door, Knotting Hill. We sampled a few (well actually all) of their wines and bought two cartons between us. Jane loved the Muscat, so we bought a bottle for our port barrel. We noticed there was a tour group of Germans(?) and Americans there. We left at the same time, us on foot and them in a bus. Next stop was the Grove Distillery. It was just across the road.

When we arrived the tour bus was right behind us – we almost beat them on foot (and half sloshed). The Grove is not so typical on the area, as it specialises in spirits, such as Gin, Whisky and Rum. As we we were a little pooped from our walk we ordered Gin and Tonics all round. It was very refreshing. Mike and I followed up with some straight Rums. Mike had the Dark Rum, while I had the Spiced Rum.

We walked back through the bush to the resort.

We arrived at the function room and had a few drinks by the lake, while Mike talked to the staff. Shaun had his drone whizzing around. I was quite interested because I’m going to get one when we go sailing the Greek Islands next August. I looked so cool, I’m already drooling.

Back at the Residence, we had a barbecue for dinner (with a few wines of course). Mike cooked up a mountain of steaks and lamb chops. We filled our bellies and swapped BS stories about the afterlife. We went to bed relatively early as we both had long drives in the morning.

Up early for bacon and farm fresh eggs – and packing. We were both ready to leave at 8 am. Jane and I back to Perth. Mike, Dorilyn and the kids to Denmark (WA not Europe).

We can’t thank Mike and Dorilyn enough for the opportunity to stay at Eight Willows. Their generosity is so expansive. We’re indeed very lucky to call them our friends.