Daylesford is a pettite rural town, just an hour and a half away from Melbourne CBD. With 65 mineral springs the Dylesford-Hepburn district accounts for more than 80% of Australia’s mineral water reserve. As a result, Daylesford has been turned into Oz’ SPA capital. The picturesque village boasts unrivalled ratio of day spas in the entire country.
But what makes Daylesford the perfect place to relax is the laid-back calm atmosphere. Unique and charming are the two words that come to mind when it comes to this town. The alluring combination of boutique retail, inviting restaurants, fascinating art galleries and period architecture dating back to the 1850’s will pull you away from everyday worries.
But let’s talk architecture, or I might feel tempted to roam about the lush national parks, the surprises which await you in every tiny shop you visit and most above about the heavenly SPA treatments you can use. Something every newcomer notices about Daylesford is the oppulence. Glorious granite, sandstone and bluestone buildings add a flavour of grandeur to the little village. Most of the constructions can be dated back to the mid-1800’s – the time of the gold fever. Which leads us to the topic at hand – a majestic 1890’s Victorian country house, which has become one of the top luxury retreats in the area.
Lake Daylesford Country House: Exterior
Overlooking the eponymous Lake Daylesford, the magnificent historic building offers striking views of its timeless country garden as well as of the lake and the forest on the opposing shore. From the entrance to the property – a white picket gate, you enter a new realm. One of blossoming cherry and apple trees, dazzling water features – typical for the 1800’s European bourgeois housing. The artificial pond with its harmoniously ribbiting native frogs complete the idyllic picture.
The lacy Victorian façade made of timber vaguely reminds of this of Queenslander houses rather than Daylesford’s typical stone architecture. But maybe this little detail is what distinguishes it from all the rest luxury SPAs.
Lake Daylesford Country House: Interior
If you thing that the garden with it’s blushing apple trees and bird songs are heavenly, wait till you actually enter the lake house. The traditional timber Victorian exterior is combined with ornate French Provincial style – upscale yet warm and inviting. Each bedroom has it’s own signature look but all four of them are fully equipped with the most pampering high-end bedding, cushions and draperies (Pierre Frey, Sheridan, Ashley – to drop a few names). For your privacy, each room has an en suite bathroom and three of them are quipped with corner SPAs.
The Kitchen
The kitchen holds an unrivalled appeal with its 1950’s Aga range, distressed farmer’s table and worn timber flooring. It’s rustic charm is completed by the white wooden wall panels and the deep mint colour splashes – typically in cottage style. While the kitchen is warm and informal, you can also take advantage of the former dining room. With off-white coloured walls and enormous French doors which open to the Queeslander-style veranda, the room creates a true sense of occasion for romantic dinners or family reunions.
Lovely Former Dining Room with French Door
Yet Another Amazing Feature for the Lake Daylesford Country House
On top of all that, quite literally, there is a splendid sunlit rooftop terrace with soft, elegant lounges. The perfect spot to take in the breathtaking lake views, especially the sunsets, while sipping a fresh cocktail or even some champaign.
Because I simply fell in love with Daylesford, I just had to share with you this amazing magazine where you will find 200 pages filled with the most amazin SPA retreats in the area!
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