Lake House Daylesford

Lake House lies on the shores of beautiful Lake Daylesford. Walking tracks lead from the property, around the lake and into the Wombat State Forest, complete with local fauna and the abundant health creating mineral springs the area is renowned for.

Exploring the property is in itself an adventure. Guests may like to have a hit of tennis followed by tea and refreshments in the tennis pavilion, a glass of wine by the fire in the Argyle Library Bar.

Given the opportunity to explore the gardens you will come upon significant trees, a myriad of sculptures and artwork from many of the region’s top artists, extensive outdoor terraces overlooking the lake shore and established country gardens with everything from koala-loved stringy barks to lilac, Daphne, quince, plum and apple trees.

The property attracts a large number of native birds including rosella, parrot, kingfisher & kookaburra. Plush soft toy versions are for sale in reception. $10 from each toy goes to the local Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.

All residential guests receive complimentary car parking, porterage and internet access. On-demand in-room movies, mini bar of non alcoholic beverages, beer and cider, use of the full-size tennis court, sauna and spa are also complimentary.

Guests also receive priority reservations in both the restaurant and spa. However please confirm any additional reservations outside of your package inclusions prior to arrival to avoid disappointment. If we can assist, or make additional suggestions, please let us know.

A regular visit to our Dairy Flat Farm is available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Here you will be guided by one of our team around the productive gardens, orchard, olive grove & vineyard. Visits are exclusive to hotel guests of Lake House and subject to availability & weather conditions.

THE RETREAT
Absolute luxury and indulgence awaits each guest of the Atrium Villa. Situated behind a discreet gate within the Lake House grounds – The Atrium Villa boasts all the benefits of the Lake House property with a little extra luxury and service.

Wide expanses of sunlit decks overlook the garden and the private path leading you down to the willow strewn lake shore. A jewel tone upholstered Kind bedroom overlooks a European style courtyard complete with lavender, tangled vines and iron water feature. In the evenings the fire-pit is lit; a perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink under the starry skies.

In the lounge a plush sofa in front of the open fire, scattered upholstered and leather armchairs and sunny nooks with soft woollen throws make deciding where to recline a tough decision.

A library of carefully selected books and magazines provide plenty of entertainment alongside the flat-screen television, unlimited cable channels, Bose sound system, iPod dock and free WiFi access.

Decorated with a selection of local and international art from the Wolf-Tasker’s private collection – the Retreat is decorated in a truly unique and personal country style. In the adjacent service kitchen a Nespresso coffee machine, vintec wine fridge ( featuring our Sommelier’s wine selection) and honour bar are right at your fingertips.

For entertaining a four-seater dining table sits against the full wall of windows with lovely views. Guests are welcome to have room service in their Villa or of course dine at the Lake House Restaurant just a short stroll through the gardens.

THE SUTTON SUITE 
Spacious and luxurious Suite featuring plush & contemporary country interiors with private sun-drenched courtyard. The large stone finished bathroom has a deep ceramic tub, dual vanity and separate shower; there is also a walk-in robe and dressing room.

King size bed, crisp white linen with local cashmere alpaca throws make for a sumptuous night’s rest. A stone-faced gas fireplace warms the lounge in the cooler evenings and plenty of natural light from garden facing windows creates beautiful spaces to enjoy coffee and the morning papers from the in-room bar or perhaps a touch of room service at the dining table.

The Sutton Suite is decorated with unique art and collectibles from the Wolf-Tasker Family’s personal collection. There are also two flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi and iPod dock.

WATERFRONT SUITES
Waterfront Suites are nestled on the south east shore of the lagoon and Lake Daylesford; ensuring the most magical sunset views from the courtyard or balcony.

Cocooned within rambling lake shore gardens; the suites are accessed by short walk from the main reception through the fern gully over the mineral spring fed creek. They also have private lake access from the main Waterfront Suite walkway.

Each Suite has its own unique décor; the use of soft textural fabrics ensuring that it feels comfortable and luxurious. There are original paintings from resident artist Allan Wolf-Tasker as well as white eggshell bookcases featuring individual pieces from local ceramicist Bridget Bodenham and Bronze artist Anthony van der Zweep.

Small touches such as birdwatching books help guests to recognise the many beautiful examples of local fauna that can be viewed from the comfort of the suite. Kookaburras, crimson rosellas, kingfisher, yellow-tailed cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles, geese, swamphens and more. Binoculars are available also.

Generously proportioned, each suite is individually configured in an open plan layout with a superior king bed and plush lounge area. For those times you don’t want to venture out, each suite has a dining table for two. Ensuites are contemporary with free standing marble-topped vanity, heated floors, double spa bath and separate shower.

A walk-in robe provides plenty of space to unpack for longer stays. For guest convenience, there is also a mini bar, tea & coffee facilities, TV, charging outlet, Bluetooth enabled sound system, free Wi-Fi and access to on-demand in-room movies.

LODGE SUITES
Spacious and luxurious Lodge Suites are all individually decorated and designed with contemporary country interiors. No one is exactly the same. Each Lodge Suite features unique artwork, books and collectables.

Large indulgent ensuites finished in textured stone feature heated floors with either bath and separate walk in shower or double European style showers. Bedrooms feature elegant king sized beds with views to a private courtyard.

Large wardrobes provide enough space for long haul travellers. Separate lounge areas include minibar stocked with regionally sourced sips and nibbles, our own Daylesford Pure sparkling mineral water, Nespresso Coffee machines. All suites have flat screen televisions with a selection of cable channels, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth music systems

THE RESTAURANT
Lake House is located on the shores of lake Daylesford within 6 acres of country gardens that also house the iconic hotel and spa. The dining room holds 2 Chefs Hats from the national Good Food Guide and multiple awards for it’s cellar and service.

A team passionate about hospitality delivers beautiful, modern, seasonal food matched with wines from one of Australia’s best wine lists. Under the direction of Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM, the kitchen work with great Australian produce including a raft of excellent small scale local suppliers and growers and their own Dairy Flat Farm.

The latter with almost 40 acres is located within 10 minutes of the flagship restaurant and includes 5 acres of productive vegetable gardens (where produce is handpicked for morning deliveries) olive grove, heirloom orchard, vineyard and a bake house specializing in slow fermented sourdough for Lake House guests.

The restaurant offers magnificent views through wonderfully large windows to the treetops and shores of the lake. Large expanses of outdoor deck also offer the opportunity for aperitif with beautiful views.

Guests enjoying drinks at dusk will likely witness the daily ritual of the resident kookaburra family flying in to be fed and the flocks of cockatoos circling the 40 year old gums, silver birch and poplars looking for their evening perch.

Regular guests will tell you of their favourite season and of memorable dishes. Perhaps the butter poached pheasant with chestnuts and Farrow in Autumn, the spring lamb with asparagus and morels.

The duck with orange braised witlof; the golden roasted free range chicken of summer with corn and yabbies, or the truffled Pecorino tart with artichokes Barigoule, eel, Murray Cod and trout; rabbit and hare, speak of local waterways and fields.

Wild damsons, Winter Nealis pears, quinces and yellow crab apples feature in fabulous desserts and, in time honoured country fashion, are also made into delicious preserves for enhancing leaner seasons. Each seasonal menu takes you on a trip down country lanes, through the orchards and across the farm paddocks of the region.

Menus are generally altered twice each season, according to best available produce. These changes generally follow the seasonal calendar, although Mother Nature, marching entirely to her own drum frequently throws some surprises at us.

As part of our policy of developing a direct relationship with our growers and producers – much of the produce used at Lake House is sourced from nearby including from our own Dairy Flat Farm.

THE ARGYLE LIBRARY BAR
With soft grey studded leather couches, citrus velvet armchairs and unique rotating art exhibitions from some of the region’s famed sculptors, painters and glass blowers; the Argyle Library Bar is a recent addition to the property.

A place for in house guests to relax throughout the day; the Bar features a cult and classic collection of magazines as well as daily newspapers. The ever expanding Culinary Library collection is a drawcard for avid foodies and you’ll often see the chefs looking for references in books to herbs and heirloom varietals planted amongst the 6 acres of gardens.

In the afternoon and early evenings the bar is set for Aperitivo; perhaps a spritz or a classic martini. After dinner it’s all about premium rum, cognacs and a large collection of aged whiskey by the fire. There’s even a grand piano for a little impromptu entertainment…

With soft grey studded leather couches, citrus velvet armchairs and unique rotating art exhibitions from some of the region’s famed sculptors, painters and glass blowers; the Argyle Library Bar is a recent addition.

THE LAGOON DECK 
In warmer months, guests can enjoy the Lagoon Deck with beautiful views across Lake Daylesford and beyond. We suggest arriving early for your restaurant booking and starting with drinks in the sunshine – perfect.

DAIRY FLAT FARM BY LAKE HOUSE 
Dairy Flat Farm Daylesford is our own 38 acre regenerative growing facility 10 minutes down the road from Lake House. So far the property includes five acres of dedicated newly developed vegetable gardens, a working barn for future classes and workshops, 3 hoop houses, a glass house; an orchard of 300 trees; an existing rejuvenated olive grove and a similarly attended to two and a half acre vineyard are now up and flourishing.

As a result we now have our own pristine and freshly picked produce coming into the Lake House kitchens on a daily basis. We are not forgetting our local community of growers and farmers some of whom we’ve forged relationships with over decades. You’ll still find them noted throughout our menus when you dine.

But we’ve always had to supplement what they’ve been able to provide. Dairy Flat Farm Daylesford will now serve that purpose, as well as allowing us to experiment with rare and interesting varietals for our menus.

We also have our eye on the opportunity to do far more preserving and fermentation with excess produce. An extensive cellaring space on The Farm will be stocked soon enough we’re sure!

Driving this dream of proper slow fermented breads is the desire to fly in the face of industrialised bread production and to support the growers and millers of small local grain economies. In the process, the local community has gained added access to good bread.

The mission was to supply guests of Lake House and the Lodge at Dairy Flat with not only the best, but also with product whose provenance is always known. The Bake House is only open to guests staying at Dairy Flat Lodge, although you can find our beautiful sourdough in Daylesford:

Devotees of our daily bake pick up at Wombat Hill House 5 days a week from 9am Friday – Tuesday. Our stall at the Sunday Market Daylesford is also fully stocked each week ( although the team often sell out fast).

Of course in house guests at Lake House will be treated to a selection from the daily bake each morning at breakfast and throughout lunch or dinner in the Restaurant.

THE WINE CELLAR
The 10,000 bottles from the award-winning Lake House winelist have to be held somewhere special. Part of the extensive space at Lake House is the unique Cellar Room a popular place for private dinner parties. We can also recommend a couple of nearby wineries that provide great experiences for wine tastings. Suitable for up to 14 guests.

THE WATERFRONT PAVILION
Positioned below the Lake House Restaurant, the new Waterfront Pavilion features two openable walls of glass overlooking the lagoon. The interior style is one of sophisticated country charm with white eggshell finish shelving and beeswaxed recycled local timber tables. Up to 40 guests.

THE TERRACE 
Quite simply the best room for a great party. The Terrace Room also features private bar with open fireplace and lounge. Luxe wrought iron chandeliers hang amongst floating sails above dinners heads creating a soft magical atmosphere for either a special lunch or candlelit evening celebration. Intimate enough for 40 guests with enough space for 150 partygoers and a dancefloor.

WEDDINGS 
One of Australia’s most awarded and romantic boutique hotels, best known for our beautiful lakeside location, two-hatted destination restaurant, award-winning cellar and impeccable service … we’re also only 80 minutes from Melbourne.

MEETINGS & TEAM BUILDING 
Experience one of Australia’s best tailor made food and wine experiences and wonderful team building activities including scavenger hunts, bee keeping, fishing, farm gate tours, private wine tastings and so much more. Located in Daylesford in country Victoria.

DAYLESFORD PURE
Signature Rituals at The Spa at Lake House utilise our own small batch, luxury bath & body products using the best ingredients sourced in and inspired by our beautiful region.
Daylesford, Australia – A land of wide-open starry skies, volcanic plains, and mineral rich waters.

The seasons here are determined by the warmth of the soil and length of the days. Home to a creative village and a particularly passionate & productive growing community, conversations about moon phase, biodynamic principles and the medicinal power of herbs & flowers are not uncommon.

Our signature product, Daylesford Pure delivers a dose of wellbeing for your body and soul using nature’s best ingredients with a nod to this beautiful region of ours. Because why would we recreate the wheel when nature has done the hard work for us?

WOODLAND BLISS RITUAL
A luxurious treatment that will conjure images of wild woodlands and fragrant country gardens, this body treatment combines soothing rhythmic strokes using hot volcanic rocks and warm oil to reduce tension and ease muscle aches.

The oil-infused body polish is perfect for deep exfoliation and maximum hydration using a traditional combination of rosemary, pine & passionflower, known to reduce stress, encourage relaxation and improve mood. Whilst you are all wrapped up, a soothing face and scalp massage completes this nourishing ritual.

Finish off with a Hydrostorm experience where steam assists the absorption of essential oils whilst Vichy jets and Waterfall showers rinse away the salt, exposing beautiful soft skin.

SWEET DREAMS RITUAL
Designed for ultimate relaxation in mind, this ritual is destined to help ease a busy brain and promote deep relaxation. Reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen your immune system and improve quality of sleep.

MINERAL SOAK & MASSAGE
Soothing, rhythmic massage strokes ease tension, stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system. Complete your ritual with a soak in your own private mineral water spa. 100% pure Daylesford mineral water is used.

WHAT TO BRING
There’s much to do at Lake House and in the surrounding region. The Daylesford Village is a short stroll from the hotel and is home to an eclectic mix of interesting galleries and lovely boutiques. Explore a little further and you’ll find farm gates, markets, cellar doors and more.

For those who like a bit more activity there’s plenty of options including golf, horse-riding & fishing. Back at Lake House spending a blissful couple of hours in The Spa is a must and a tasting menu in the award winning restaurant is not to be missed. Below are a few things you might need to plan ahead for.

OUTDOOR POOL, SAUNA & JACUZZI 
Make sure you bring your bathers with you! The Spa at Lake House features an outdoor sauna & Jacuzzi for resident guests to enjoy at their leisure and, in warmer months, our infinity pool and relaxation decks offer some of the best views of Lake Daylesford.

HIKING & WALKING
Pack a comfortable pair of walking or trekking shoes, camera with fully charged battery (and plenty of space on the memory card), sunscreen and suitable clothing for the unpredictable weather such as light jacket or warmer clothing in the cooler months.

TENNIS
We can supply racquets and balls but if you fancy a hit be sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

THE ART STUDIO
Take a tour of a working art studio in the grounds of Lake House – open by appointment. Lake House proprietor and resident artist, Allan Wolf-Tasker work has always drawn inspiration from many different fields. He is represented in public and private collections worldwide.

His recent exhibition at Lake House is “Landscapes of Daylesford” which reveal a return to the landscape – strong aerial views of coastal waters and also the creek beds throughout Daylesford and spa country.

THE LAGOON FORESHORE & FIREPIT 
In the cooler months, our Lagoon foreshore is warmed by a large open fire pit. Rows of Adirondack chairs are clustered to capture the heat and also enjoy the beautiful lake views. A selection of sips and snacks can be ordered at your leisure and charged to your room.

DAYLESFORD WINE TOURS 
Meet the makers behind the labels. Let Clay Watson take you through his extensive choice of the best regional drops and introduces three to five of the best local makers in the area.

An informal yet informative afternoon featuring tasting sessions with the makers, discussing each of their varieties whilst sharing with you their own personal wine, cider, spirit or liqueur-making techniques, and stories.

CIDER TASTING
Visit the orchards and the cider mill to learn about the English heritage apple varieties, see the actual equipment, and get an overview of cider-making.

Enjoy the private tour and private cider tasting workshop of Daylesford Cider Company’s full range of award-winning ciders to finish with a cup of coffee or tea. What’s more – you get to take home a personalised bottle of cider as your personal souvenir.

DRY STONEWALLING DEMO, LETTERING & CARVING
Learn the art and craft of dry stone walling, lettering & carving with Daylesford’s esteemed stonemason, dry stone Walker, and artist Josh Bowes. Lettering & carving workshop includes hands-on lettering and carving of your own piece, lettering and carving kit 4mm, and 8mm carbide tungsten stone lettering chisels and metal mallet.

WILD ACTION
The zoo comes to you! Imagine having a live koala, endangered tiger quoll, laughing kookaburra, eye-licking leaf-tailed gecko, and several owl species right in front of your doorstep. Learn all about each animal’s ecology – where it lives, why it looks the way it does, and what it eats.

Plus, photo opportunities abound! (All animals are safe and amenable to handling.) Founded by Melbourne University Zoologist Chris Humfrey in 1994, Wild Action Team is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and showcasing Australia’s rich biodiversity.

TAI CHI, CHI QUNG & MEDITATION
If you seek a more internalised approach to the Martial Arts, local Master Diederik Haneveld is offering his 30 years’ experience with private tutorials for Lake House guests. By definition, Tai Chi means “Grand Ultimate” and is considered so by many Martial Arts practitioners, worldwide.

Less dynamic than the external arts, Tai Chi fosters balance, stability, patience and awareness on a road to what is known as “True Power”. Classes for beginners are designed to teach the fundamental principles surrounding Tai Chi, including Chi Kung breathing exercises and still and moving meditation.

SECRET FOREST WALKS
Enjoy the thrill of the hunt using a Garmin GPS unit, intuition and a GPS Treasure Hunt Search Log to fill in as you find each of the ‘treasures’.

Stroll around the lovely Lake Daylesford with a Lake House SmartBottle and get to fill it with 100% pure Daylesford mineral water as you seek out and find ‘caches’ around the lovely Lake Daylesford. Subject to availability and advance booking is required.

Rooms: 35

Price: from 592 EUR per night

Source: www.lakehouse.com.au