Yahoo Lifestyle 
The Airbnb cottage so cosy, you'll never want to leave
And it's only 2 hours outside of Sydney.
Ask any parent what their greatest wish would be and there's a good chance they'd say more time with their kids. And not just the time spent hustling them out of bed and into uniforms or daycare clothes and then negotiating dinner and bedtime at the end of the day, but real, quality time where everyone can be present and just slow the heck down for a while.
Sadly, with life in 2024 designed the way it is, that kind of quality time can be a luxury many parents are enjoying less and less. I know this because I am one of them. As a busy working mum of a two-year-old, I often fear that the time my son and I have together is too rushed and too focused on getting from one place or activity to the next.
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With this in mind, my partner and I booked a Southern Highlands stay through Airbnb, packed up our car and headed away for three days of slow living and family connection.
A home away from home
Arriving at the gloriously cosy Fox Cottage in Moss Vale, we were immediately struck by how much it already felt like a home away from home. Each room was so meticulously decorated in a way that was stylish yet approachable and right away we got excited about snuggling up by the fire as a family for some quality time.
The great thing about Moss Vale is that it's just outside of the more high-traffic areas, so you can do as much or as little as you like. On previous (childfree) trips down south my partner and I enjoyed strolling the cute streets of Bowral, but as the goal of this adventure was to take it pretty easy, it suited us perfectly that Fox Cottage feels remote even though it's not.
Within walking distance of Fox Cottage, you'll find Flour Bar - a gem of a cafe and bar that is equal parts cosy and effortlessly cool. It's the kind of establishment that would not be out of place in the city yet is infused with a country charm...maybe thanks to the fireplace which was particularly welcome on the chilly winter weekend we visited.
Tips for traveling with a toddler
As much as our trip was about trying to slow down a little bit, we still had a very active toddler to entertain so we headed to Fitzroy Falls for a morning for some fresh air and exercise. The sweeping views and impressive waterfalls were a hit with our little guy - and us big kids who hadn't been to the attraction in many years. Of course, when you're a parent, no journey away from home is complete without scoping out where the best playgrounds are so for those playing at home - it's in Burradoo on Cecil Hoskins Access Road.
If your version of slowing down means avoiding having to cook, you'll likely want a good family-friendly place to grab an early dinner. We found Briars Inn to be the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal and, bonus, they were serving mulled wine when we went. This proved to be the perfect way to warm up as my son played on the outdoor equipment that was part of the venue. Having exerted some of his energy before we sat down, we were able to properly enjoy a meal together where my partner and I were actually able to eat at the same time - a first in over two years!
Un-wine-ding
Back at Fox Cottage and with our son fast asleep, we enjoyed the red wine provided by our lovely host by the fire, before retreating to our generous king bed which had been delightfully warmed up thanks to the electric blanket provided (yet another of the thoughtful touches included in the stay).
The cottage is also perfectly equipped for slow mornings with its generous kitchen and sun-drenched dining room (that features the bookcase of my dreams, just as an aside). We spent a lazy morning making breakfast and playing Lego by the fire before venturing out for a Sunday drive to Berrima.
After our son's nap, we made it over to Joadja Estate for some pizza and live music by the fire pit - a glorious way to spend a winter's afternoon in the country, I must say - especially for my music-obsessed child who loves to dance with his mum (at least for now).
SHOP:
Another night of wine and fireside chats later and my little family and I were feeling ready to head back to Sydney and the reality of our busy lives, but with an important reminder at the forefront of our minds.
The time we have with our kids is not always enjoyable - between tantrums and regressions and erratic sleep and struggling to do it all "right", it can be exhausting and, at times, defeating. But, the time we have with them is also not infinite. As any parent can attest to, it all goes by too fast - so maybe the greatest lesson we can teach our kids (and ourselves) is to slow down and enjoy every moment.
A place like Fox Cottage, now part of some of our fondest family memories, is an ideal place to relish in such a reminder.
Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Airbnb.
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