“The best things in life are

the people we love,

the places we’ve been,

and all the memories we’ve made along the way”

The Summer holidays are coming! Bring it on! So this month, it’s all about planning that family getaway.

Welcome to The Bigger Picture; a blog that is all about building NETWORK and CONNECTION. Each month, I feature a woman in small business within my community with the sole purpose of showing support, building solidarity and sharing stories of passion.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible small businesses in the South West run by women in their spare rooms or out in their gardens and they each have a unique story to be told; a BIGGER PICTURE to be discovered.

Don’t you just love booking a getaway? I know I do. I scour the Internet looking for that dreamy little cottage where my boys and I can disappear and relax for a long weekend treat. I’m looking for somewhere that’s clean, cosy, well stocked and secluded enough to enjoy a bit of outside time around the firepit or bbq. Well, do I have the perfect spot for your next little getaway! Tucked away in a secluded spot, surrounded by a beautifully curated garden and within minutes of the beach and local seaside townships, is a little gem ready for your next adventure. Read on my friends!

My feature for December is a teacher by trade and hostess of the cutest little country hideaway you could imagine. Once a beloved primary school, now a serene sanctuary for couples and creatives, Bec wants nothing more than to preserve the history of her home and welcome people to stay and enjoy the natural beauty of her local community. I am very pleased to introduce you to…

Bec Wilde

Codrington Hideaway

Tell us about your business and what services you offer.

Codrington Hideaway is my passion project. It’s more of a hobby than a fully-fledged business (at this stage!). It’s my cosy retreat, nestled in the historic heart of South West Victoria. It’s very remote; surrounded by nature, bird life, wildlife and farmlands and is situated between the world heritage listed Budj Bim, Port Fairy and Cape Bridgewater. My general clientele are either travelling through on their way to South Australia, or bunkering down for a few days to recharge.

Is there a story behind the name you chose?

Codrington Hideaway was previously the Codrington Primary School which serviced the Codrington community for over 100 years! It was renamed as ‘Codrington Hideaway’ as a remote getaway where guests can reconnect, create, and unwind in an inspiring and historic building. I wanted to keep 'Codrington' in the name to connect guests to our beautiful area. It is also the only township in Australia to be named after a bushranger; 'Codrington Revingstone'.

(For your interest, Revingstone would hold up the mail run and steal the mail bags. He was quite brazen in his thievery and a bounty was put on his head. Apparently, in response to this, Revingstone published a letter in the paper claiming that he would teach the superintendent responsible a lesson and to remind everyone that he was “ready for another turn of the Portland bags, but the beggarly rascals put nothing in them but love-letters; I could tell you some secrets – but honour amongst thieves”. I assume that meant hold your tongue people or I’ll spill your secrets!) (Wikipedia)

Where does your inspiration come from?

As a teacher, I am inspired by the history and stories of the school. Many of the local community attended primary school here and have some wonderful memories of their time! It wasn't that long ago that students rode their ponies to school and tied them up at the front paddock. Overall, the charm and the energy of the building really inspires me.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Meeting new people and providing them with a memorable and relaxing experience. I love hearing their feedback and often connections to the area. I also seem to attract a lot of current and retired teachers whom I enjoy chatting with.

What do you offer your clients that no one else does?

It’s the experience of staying in an historic, rural school. The energy of Codrington Hideaway is quite unique as it was once the hub of the community. When you walk through the doors, there really is a feeling of connection, community pride and the warmth of family.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since starting your business?

Everything takes time. It’s still okay to open the doors even when you don't feel like you are fully ready. Codrington Hideaway has gradually evolved over the past two years and I still have more ideas I'd like to implement. It’s a journey!

This little cottage holds a special place in my heart, as my husband was one of the locals who was a student here many years ago. He and his mates tell some ripper stories of their time here as little kids and that’s why it’s wonderful that Bec is so conscious of retaining the heritage and memories of the building. You can still see the beautiful stained glass in the loft (which was made by a talented local woman), the chalk board, old metal plaques awarded to children and the old timber wall panelling. As you look down from the loft above, it's not hard to imagine what it must have been like as a student in this remote, one room school and enjoy the nostalgia of days gone by.

Edwina xx

If you are looking for a cosy cottage packed with charm for your next secluded stay, and you would like to know more about the Codrington Hideaway, please give Bec a follow (and your support) on her social media page…

Instagram: @codrington_hideaway

Link: www.airbnb.com/h/codringtonhideaway