A Moment to Pause
Thirty years of marriage sounds like a long time. In reality, it’s flown by. We marked the moment with a grounded retreat, allowing time to pause, reflect and simply be.
Images: Taken by Mel Hoekstra at Verandah House Country Estate
In that time, we have moved houses and cities, raised two beautiful boys, built a life rich in friendship, and shared countless moments with my mum & dad that we hold close. January marked our 30th wedding anniversary, and we chose to celebrate quietly, close to home, with a night away that felt anything but ordinary.
We travelled just forty minutes from home to Verandah House Country Estate, nestled deep within the rainforest. Removed from the city, wrapped in nature and stillness, it felt as though we had stepped into another world. There’s something deeply grounding about exploring your own region and seeing it through a different lens.
While the suites Judy and Laurence have created are beautifully resolved, it was the landscape that immediately set the tone. Towering trees, open skies, and a sweeping outlook stretching across manicured lawns toward the Gold Coast and ocean beyond, then up the valley to Mt Warning. The day was softly overcast, muting the colours and amplifying the calm. A reminder of how powerful space, scale & restraint can be. An invitation to slow down and breathe.
As an interior designer, I always notice how places make you feel, and this was a masterclass in balance. Nothing shouted for attention. Instead, the estate allowed the environment to lead, with considered design quietly supporting the experience.
Our suite felt generous yet intimate, with a king bed, lounge & dining space, kitchenette, and a deep bath designed for lingering. The interiors were grounded and timeless, layered in earthy tones with quality furnishings and thoughtful details. A cheese platter waiting on arrival was a small gesture that spoke volumes, instantly creating a sense of welcome.
Mornings spilled out onto the verandah and lawn, shared with rabbits darting through the gardens, kookaburras laughing in the distance, and young magpies frolicking on the lawn. Nature has a way of recalibrating you, and we felt as though we were on a gentle wildlife tour, often spotting rabbits one of us somehow managed to miss. Thankfully, other guests confirmed they existed.
We wandered the grounds at our own pace, enjoyed a drink by the fire in the barn, soaked in the hot tub while taking in the view, and eased into the traditional and infrared saunas. It felt indulgent without being overdone. A million miles away, yet right on our doorstep.
With warm, attentive staff and fellow guests who were genuinely engaging, it was the kind of stay that lingers long after you leave.
A gentle reminder that good design, like a good marriage, is often about thoughtfulness, connection, and knowing when to let things breathe.
We highly recommend booking a relaxing stay Verandah House Country Estate.
At Mel Hoekstra Interiors, we believe thoughtful design shapes the way we live; creating homes that feel grounded, functional and deeply personal long after the project is complete. We design with intention and care, crafting spaces that balance beauty with everyday ease.
Thoughtful design. Lived-in beauty. Homes that support life, every day.
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Connection & joy, always,
Mel xx
