The styling and interiors of this charming Daylesford accommodation cottage pay homage to a classic provincial look and feel.
Inspired by the lakeside French town of Annecy, owners Kylie and Matthew recently completed a stunning transformation to create an inviting house and garden. They talk to us about their connection to the house and why they love France and Daylesford so much.
“A decade ago friends were renting the property, now known as Annecy House, and after many visits to what was then a rundown cottage, we fell in love with this special and quiet location. It has a great local feel, fantastic neighbours, (who, if asked, can share many a tale of Daylesford’s history) and a beautiful outlook onto bushland at Daylesford’s Lake reserve” explains Kylie.
“When it unexpectedly came up for sale some years ago we purchased it with the dream of one day creating a holiday haven for us, and others to enjoy. We were finally able to realise that dream last year and spent every weekend renovating and creating beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces inspired by our time in France.
Annecy House is named after the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie (Alpine) region of France that is known for its beautiful outlook and food delicacies. After being inspired by the township, we endeavoured to create a space furnished with a mix of vintage and modern furnishings with all the luxuries at hand. A place where you could curl up by the fireplace to enjoy the forest views, spend time in the garden and relax in the amazing cast iron bath!”
“When it unexpectedly came up for sale some years ago we purchased it with the dream of one day creating a holiday haven for us, and others to enjoy. We were finally able to realise that dream last year and spent every weekend renovating and creating beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces inspired by our time in France.
Annecy House is named after the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie (Alpine) region of France that is known for its beautiful outlook and food delicacies. After being inspired by the township, we endeavoured to create a space furnished with a mix of vintage and modern furnishings with all the luxuries at hand. A place where you could curl up by the fireplace to enjoy the forest views, spend time in the garden and relax in the amazing cast iron bath!”
The centrepiece to the refurbishment is a beautiful double-sided Cheminee Philippe fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the dining and lounge rooms. The integrity of beautiful materials was very important to Kylie and Matthew and the striking stone floors feel beautiful underfoot flowing from the dining room to the well-equipped kitchen. The experience is completed by a beautiful freestanding bath and two cosy and inviting bedrooms, which also overlook the forest and inspire those longed-for sleep-ins.
Perched on the lake reserve, you can access the walking track that wraps around Lake Daylesford via the properties rear gate. Included on the reserve walking tracks are the iconic multiple award-winning Lakehouse, the Boathouse café/restaurant and the Book Barn.
“The sloping block enabled us to create multiple sitting areas to take in the quiet vistas and some animal / bird spotting. Wallabies, echidnas, kookaburras and more have been known to pay a visit.”
“The house is a place we love to spend time in as well as share with others. We love seeing the growth and changes in the garden each time we visit – from the stunning autumn colours to the gorgeous magnolia tree and the plethora of bulbs that appear in winter and autumn. We are proud of our hard work in 2016 and really hope that people that stay get the same feeling of being away from it all when they come to visit.”
A good walk or short drive to many attractions including the Daylesford township itself, the Goldfields Walking Track and much more, are a bonus to everything else that Annecy House has to offer.
By Bianca. W | Dayget
