Located on a hill with sweeping views towards Wombat State Forest, Orford Panache provides the perfect base from which to explore the region. Owners Abe and Mary were previous guests that jumped at the opportunity to buy the property and make it their permanent holiday home, whilst still sharing it with others to enjoy.
Abe and Mary have been coming to Daylesford for weekends and occasionally longer breaks for 20 years. Their favourite time is winter when they enjoy rugging up and taking long walks around the gardens and the lake, then retreating to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like drinking endless cups of tea and reading a good book by the fireplace. Daylesford felt like home. So when the opportunity came up for them to purchase one of the properties that had stayed in so often and loved so much, they seized that moment.
The couple stayed at Orford Panache (under a previous name) eight years ago and loved its ambience, particularly the large living area, with forest views. Mary explains just what it was about the property that captivated them so much.
We found it relaxing on the balcony in the winter sun looking out over Wombat State Forest. The large double spa was enticing, and we enjoyed curling up with a book, or watching TV or a DVD in front of the gas log fire. When the property was offered for sale in January 2010 we decided to put in an offer.
Abe and Mary set to work, and made some minor changes to the property to make it just perfect, they painted and bought some new soft furnishings. Mary in particular has enjoyed redecorating the property and is always on the lookout for collectables and knick-knacks at the many galleries and antique shops in close proximity, including David Bromley, Michael Parker and the Mill Markets. Once the initial refurbishment was done they renamed the property Orford Panache.
The location and the many and varied things to do in the region were very appealing to Abe and Mary. They were excited about opening the property up to guests to explore the region and hopefully get as much enjoyment from it as they had over the last 20 years.
The property is ideally situated 5 -10 minutes walk from the Wombat Botanic Gardens, and the famous Convent Gallery, and only 10 minutes walk to Lake Daylesford and the town centre. It has onsite parking for up to three cars and comfortably sleeps six in three lovely calming bedrooms.
Although they would not consider themselves “foodies” the couple appreciate the excellent variety of cafes and restaurants in very close proximity – including the Lakehouse and Kazuki’s.
Fresh produce can be sourced at the local Farmers Market (once a month at Daylesford Primary School) or at the Sunday Market, whilst five boutique wineries can be found in the Macedon Ranges region. 5 – 10 minutes drive away are the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, the Blowhole, Lavendula Swiss Italian Farm and countless mineral springs. Ballarat and Sovereign Hill are less than 30 minutes away as are Clunes, Castlemaine, Trentham and Kyneton.
We try to come up every couple of months for a weekend. We enjoy the tranquillity and fresh air – less than one and half hours drive from Melbourne. While I mostly like to visit the shops and café’s, I will often join Abe as he enjoys long walks around the Lake and exploring the Wombat State Forest. They are wonderful times for us, and ones that we cherish.