A spectacular pink neon sign above the front door greets you and invites you into this very creative and stylish home called Dollywood. With the owner’s keen interest in photography, music, the arts and design on full display, you will feel like you have stepped into the pages of a magazine.
After a few short minutes talking with creative duo and owners of the latest hip Daylesford accommodation, Dollywood, we understood just why owners Marcus & Eloise had to create this one off Californian inspired destination.
“We have always loved Daylesford. It ticked all the boxes for us as a holiday destination and a place to set up our first holiday home. We love the spa and massage element, plus the added bonus of the town being a short 1.5 hours from Melbourne” says Eloise.
“When we saw the property online we were immediately attached and we knew straight away how we could design the spaces. The property is located on Central Springs road, a short walk to the Mill Market, Lake Daylesford and Vincent street, this was such an added bonus and we knew we had to buy it. The fact that you can experience all the appeal of a country town along with great food and wine, interesting shopping and natural beauty is so important to us when choosing somewhere to stay”.
The design element at Dollywood is strong and you get the feeling that every room and piece in it has a story. Eloise explains “From a design aspect, we took inspiration from our many travels and in particular, California, which is very sentimental to us. We always took interest in the hotels we stayed in and took design cues from some of our favourite accommodation when styling our bedrooms at Dollywood. We felt we wanted to personalise each room like a hotel, so they all have completely individual themes and colour palettes. In terms of the living areas, we looked to the structure of the house for style inspiration. With it’s floor to ceiling windows and doors, and the long curved, cladded wall, we decided that a touch of 70’s style in the furnishings would compliment the building nicely. The name Dollywood comes from our daughter’s name Dolly and the time we spent in Hollywood”.
The conversation turns to Daylesford and the times they spent up here in the past developing a deep appreciation and love for the area. Here Eloise explains just what it is about the region that got so into their bones and psyche.
“We came up here all year round, loving watching and feeling the real seasons take shape”.
“Both winter and summer have their benefits as a weekend holiday destination. In the summer, we spend time by the lake, going to nearby waterfalls and sitting outside having a drink and soaking up the beautiful surrounds. In winter, we love the spas and massages, eating and drinking by warm cosy fires and checking out local galleries and markets. We feel that not many places are as wonderful for a holiday in the winter months but the fact that Daylesford is thriving through these months speaks for itself as it has so much to offer”.
It’s obvious that Marcus and Eloise have created something for people to experience. Furniture, artwork, linen and outdoor furniture have been carefully selected to help create a memorable stay.
“We hope people enjoy waking up to the views of the treetops that surround the house. We also hope that guests enjoy the fire and heating that provide a warm, cosy feeling. We want people to enjoy the beautiful furnishings as much as we enjoyed curating it all. The selection of artwork is also something we know will add to the experience of staying at Dollywood and we hope people enjoy the little quirks within the home”. She adds a special note to future guests: “Please choose your favourite record from our collection, pour yourself a drink and enjoy the space. The community is rich here and there is a creativity that we really connect with, and we hope that you do to”.
By Bianca. W | Dayget
