Stunning ocean views near Sydney, swap for NYC, Latin America or Europe

Description

Our home is a freestanding cottage directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean with stunning views, five minutes walk to famous lap-swimming rock pools and Austinmer surf beach. Art deco bathroom has a tub as well as a shower, with a second (separate) toilet. Two bedrooms (one large w ocean views) and a big study, with quality additional fold-out beds (for occasional visitors you may have) in the study and living room. Huge deck (balcony with two dining areas) overlooks the ocean - nothing between you and the horizon. Second bedroom has desk and computer - useful as home office. A car can be available subject to insurance needs. Bus stop 20 metres from home, train station ten minutes walk. House is full of books, idiosyncratic art from our travels, well stocked cupboards and larder, as we love to cook. Various coffee options inc barista machine. Large flatscreen TV with a wide range of streaming services. Good wifi and electricity is free during day due to our solar panels. Parking is on-street but unrestricted and safe. Austinmer is a beautiful village between the ocean and forested escarpment (mountain/canyon). Close to the city of Wollongong (20mins), all facilities such as restaurants, cafes and shopping within close walking distance. Also 90 minutes from Sydney (Opera House/city centre) by train or car, an easy commute. Austinmer is a safe, lively village with active artistic community. 20 minutes from University of Wollongong. Royal National Park, second oldest in the world, is close by with fabulous hiking, cycling and swimming opportunities. SECOND HOME OPTION in BALMAIN, inner SYDNEY: in addition or instead, you could stay in our historic 2-bedroom terrace home in Sydney, in the harbourside suburb of Balmain. It's 15mins drive to University of Sydney etc. Can be available for short/longterm bookings as rental or exchange. Just email me your preferences and we'll see what might be possible! It's a lovely home with water/harbour views in a quiet street in a very safe, friendly suburb. Balmain has a village feel, because it's a peninsula. You can commute to the Opera House via Sydney's famous ferries - they stop 10 mins from my house. House has well appointed kitchen with coffee makers, dishwasher, washing machine etc, 1.5 bathrooms (bathtub plus shower), lovely upstairs dining room and study with balcony opening onto water views, large double bedroom with balcony, spare room downstairs has comfy sofa bed (single/double), courtyard. Small pets welcome! Shops, supermarket, cafes and great restaurants/bars within walking distance. Lots of harbourside parks to stroll round, plus heritage public harbour swimming baths.