Set on the western shore of Lake Daylesford, Lake Cottage is a picturesque three bedroom cottage nestled amoungst delightful gardens. A wonderful base from which to explore the natural wonders of the region.
Owner of Lake Cottage, Lina, remembers visiting Daylesford as a small girl. Back then, Daylesford was the picnic playground for her Italian family who bottled mineral water and relaxed by the shores of Lake Daylesford with its distinctively European feel.
As an adult, she continued visiting Daylesford and eventually introduced her husband John to the area who also fell in love with the region. After marrying in Daylesford in 2005 they dreamt of one day calling it home. Then in 2009, after just one inspection, they purchased ‘Lake Cottage’ set on the western shore of Lake Daylesford.
They were instantly enchanted with the French provincial style of the three-bedroom home, set over three levels and nestled amongst tiered gardens visible from every window.
Two living areas, both with Ned Kelly wood fires, provide warmth in winter, whilst the deck looking across the lake provides the perfect warm weather platform from which to enjoy long and lazy days. The three bedrooms accommodate up to six guests and the ample kitchen and dining make it ideal for families, friends and couples.
Every room of the house offers a view; from the dining and living room you can dreamily scan your eyes across the immediate garden surrounds that include vast greenery, tall gum trees, and a pond that attracts birds to drink and bathe.
The garden features established trees to provide structure and within that John & Lina have cultivated a sanctuary full of perennials, bulbs and annuals. Spring and summer see an explosion of flowers lovingly planted under the trees throughout the garden. In autumn the garden provides spectacular colour from the many deciduous trees including Japanese Maple, Prunus, Golden Ash and Crab Apple to name but a few. There are many places to sit and enjoy the surrounds and a number of garden seats are placed to offer delightful views and spaces of quiet contemplation, respite and harmony.
We hope that guests at Lake Cottage enjoy all that the garden has to offer. It attracts a multitude of birdlife with regular visits from kookaburras and magpies and flocks of cockatoos that perch on the gum trees by the lake.
For those wishing to explore the picturesque surrounds, be sure to walk the ‘Peace Mile’ track around Lake Daylesford, an easy & relaxing 2.8km stroll. Stop by the Central Springs Reserve on the way to test some of the famous mineral water before enjoying a well-deserved breakfast or lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant. On the way back browse the books at the Bookbarn and be sure to greet the ducks and geese who love to meet new folks! In the warmer months, the lake offers opportunities for swimming and paddleboat hire and is an ideal location for a barbecue or picnic by its shore. If you are a keen walker, spend a day following the Tipperary walking track from Central Springs Reserve all the way to Hepburn Springs and on your way, you can see some of the early gold mining history of the area.
Even after 10 years visiting the region together, Lina and John continue to anticipate each visit and never feel ready to leave and head back to city life.
Daylesford and its surrounds remain a wonder to us. We are continually amazed at how much we continue to find to explore, learn about and enjoy. To us, the countryside, the community, the food and the choices available make this our “happy place“.
