Browse our Top Rated Properties of 2020 as rated by YOU our guests! From modern masterpieces to cosy cottages, houses to accommodate the largest of families to intimate retreats for couples, our list of Top-Rated Properties represents the best of the best in Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges. Enjoy!
As 2020 draws to a close we thought it was time to celebrate the Top 20 properties as rated by you, our guests! Every guest of Dayget is invited to rate and review their stay in the categories of Cleanliness, Comfort, Facilities, Location and Value, as well as give an overall rating. This collection of properties each have at least 15 guest reviews and have the highest average rating across all rating categories. We are continually in awe of the amazing reviews that our properties receive and are honoured to represent some of the best accommodation our wonderful region has to offer.
As we celebrate the Top Rated properties of 2020 we want to take a moment to thank you, our guests, for your continued support throughout what has certainly been a memorable year. We look forward to 2021 and hope to welcome you all again soon for a well-deserved break!
Here are our 20 Top Rated Properties for 2020.
19. Campari- Daylesford
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A first-time entrant in the Top 20 list, Campari is a sweet and humble abode tucked away just a short stroll to Lake Daylesford. A favourite of small families, girls groups and couples, Campari has earned a 4.8/5 star rating with 38 guest reviews. We don’t think we could describe Campari any better than our favourite review of the year so without further ado.. take it away Kathryn!
Our favourite guest review:
Tucked in behind a generous hedge and away from the hustle and bustle of Daylesford, sits Campari, a haven to a creative. As a wearied writer trying to hit her novel deadline, Campari proved to be my answer to prayer for peace, privacy, and inspiration. It also proved to be quite distracting with its beautiful ‘Secret Garden’ ambience that continued to beckon me away from my computer to rest under the trees, leisurely walk around the lush garden, or laze on the grass listening to birds singing their songs to the sky. A nightly sip of wine by the crackling fireplace also proved to be a distraction, but not so much that I didn’t achieve the goal of hitting my deadline 😉 I will indeed be back to inhale the crisp, clean air of Daylesford and relax my soul and mind in the sanctuary that is Campari.
Kathryn – January 2020
18. Birch House – Daylesford
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With all the comforts of home, Birch House is a classic country getaway loved by families and their furry friends. Full of charm and character, this pet-friendly gem is only a short stroll to the Wombat Botanic Gardens and the Daylesford Sunday Market. Rated 4.8/5 stars with 22 reviews, Birch House is a welcome addition to the Top 20 List for the first time in 2020.
Our favourite guest review:
We all loved Birch House, the cottage was light, bright and airy…all comforts were thought of plus absolutely no need to bring any mundane ‘housey items’…they are there! It has more than enough space and rooms to find privacy or all gather with ease…we will be returning…plus we loved the town…try it!
Linda – January 2020
17. Lakeleigh – Daylesford
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From the spectacular views, enchanting garden, stunning interiors and enviable location on Lake Daylesford, it’s hard to find anything not to like about Lakeleigh! Featuring in the Top 20 List for a second year running, Lakeleigh has been described by guests as ‘picturesque’, ‘enchanted’ and ‘a restful haven’ to name but a few. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Guests rated Lakeleigh an outstanding 4.8/5 stars.
Our favourite guest review:
A beautiful, restful haven in Daylesford overlooking the lake, where you can wind down and listen to the birds. Lakeleigh is a very comfortable holiday home with space for a small family. The greenery and lakeside situation make this a very special place to relax and take in the surrounds – the house is so pretty, you will not want to stray far.
Carol – January 2020
16. Harmony – Hepburn Springs
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Phenomenal and stunning are the words guests use to describe this deceptively stylish and well-equipped house in Hepburn Springs. The humble exterior belies the craftsmanship that awaits you inside with custom made furnishings sitting comfortably amongst walnut clad opulent interiors. Appearing for the first time in our Top 20 List, guests loved Harmony so much they rated it an outstanding 4.8 / 5 stars with over 40 reviews.
Our favourite guest review:
Don’t be deceived by the humble exterior, this is a very stylish house, very well equipped and with a beautiful view from the back balcony. The very quiet location and natural bush setting made our stay so relaxing and peaceful. We even had a kookaburra sit on the balcony for ages whilst we ate dinner. Definitely a place would stay at again. Couldn’t fault it!
Marcel – November 2020
15. Persimmon – Clunes
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Appearing in the Top 20 List for the second year running, this cute and cosy cottage in the center of historic Clunes continues to charm guests and their pets alike. The owners love for this cottage is evident in every detail and this did not go unnoticed by guests. Guests loved the cosy bed, cute courtyard and central location rating the delightful Persimmon 4.8 / 5 stars.
Our favourite guest review:
The perfect pad for a Clunes and region stay!! So cute and full of history but with EVERYTHING a couple could need or want! Highly recommend this beautiful cottage!!
Theo – March 2020
13. Green Retreat Passive House – Hepburn Springs
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Modern, clean, eco-friendly, tastefully decorated, a serene oasis. These are just some of the words our guests have used to describe Green Retreat Passive House! Tucked away in Hepburn Springs, away from the hustle and bustle of Daylesford but just a short drive away, Green Retreat Passive House ticked all the boxes for our guests in 2020 who rewarded the property with a cool 4.8/5 rating.
Our favourite guest review:
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE A PASSIVHAUS! The Green Retreat Passive House in Hepburn Springs is truly a hidden gem! Built to the international Passivhaus standard, it offers superior indoor air quality, comfort all year round and premium sustainability features. There are few opportunities to experience what it’s like to be in a Passivhaus in Australia, so it is a real treat to be able to stay here – I highly recommend it! It’s spacious, modern and has an outlook to a private bushy garden.
Talina – October 2020
12. Dollywood – Daylesford
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A favourite with girls groups and families, Dollywood stands apart not least for the neon pink sign that greets guests on arrival. Located only a short walk from the main town centre, the location was a hit with guests as was the inviting aesthetic. The carefully curated interiors, featuring artwork from renowned artists, and chill atmosphere hit the spot with guests who rated Dollywood a solid 4.8/5 stars.
Our favourite guest review:
This is a gorgeous property with fantastic amenities that make your trip feel super luxe. It has all the facilities for a larger family so you feel like you are at home. 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is what you need with 3 teenagers. And even though it has a different vibe to a lot of local properties, it is so cosy and inviting that you will just want to stay indoors and play games by the fire. Which we do. Hooray for Dollywood!
Gabrielle – June 2018
11. Boatshed House – Daylesford
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Appearing for the second year in the Top 20 guest rated properties, Boatshed House is a firm favourite for those seeking an idyllic stay on Lake Daylesford. Boasting absolute lake frontage this family size home accommodates up to eight guests with flexible bedding arrangements. Guests rated the location and facilities as the top features of this dreamy home but also said that you couldn’t ask for anything more!
WOW 🙂 WOW 🙂 As a family our getaway at the Boatshed House was totally amazing. The ambience of this amazing House brings harmony, serenity and happiness.
Lynette – November 2020
10. Hambleden – Daylesford
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Boasting one of the great locations in town a mere 5 min stroll to the main street, Hambleden is loaded with features including stylish modern interiors, flexible bedding and cosy fireplace. Guests loved the relaxed atmosphere, comfy beds and cosy fireplace rating Hambleden an amazing 4.8/5 stars.
Our favourite guest review:
This home was so beautiful and comfortable and perfectly located! I would highly recommend a stay here! It’s perfect for a large family or small intimate gathering of friends!!!!
Janet – March 2020
8. Sandringham – Daylesford
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Style and elegance abound at Sandringham. The owner’s passion for providing an exceptional standard is apparent in the stunning interior design, comfortable surrounds and outstanding facilities that satisfy even the toughest of critics. Guest raved about the luxurious interiors, gorgeous gardens and prime location near Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens rating Sandringham a solid 4.8/5 stars.
Our favourite guest review:
Sandringham was one of the most stunning properties we’ve ever stayed in. There were no negatives about this property. Everything was absolutely immaculate. From the most comfortable beds in the world to the stunning and luxurious furnishings and decorations, the comforts of home like Netflix, Apple TV and wireless speakers in every room and the in house wine selection, little welcome gifts and beautiful T2 teas and coffee, we could not have felt more pampered and relaxed. Sandringham is also located right next to the beautiful botanical gardens and is a short stroll to the main strip. It’s quiet, private and has beautifully manicured outdoor spaces to enjoy. We had the nicest time at Sandringham and didn’t want to leave!
Rebecca – June 2020
6. Aysgarth – Daylesford
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Long a favourite of Dayget guests, Aysgarth once again appears in the annual Top 20 list for the second year running. Aysgarth caters not only for human guests, but their furry friends are not forgotten either! Guests loved the immaculate presentation, both inside and out, the comfortable bedding and relaxing surrounds. Rated 4.9/5 stars, Aysgarth is a deserving entrant in our Top 20 of 2020.
Our favourite guest review:
We loved the house! Apart from its gorgeousness and cleanliness – we could not fault anything. The best equipped rental house we have ever stayed in. Nothing was overlooked – from dishwashing supplies to folded paper for the fire, quality towels and linen – the beds were super comfortable – plenty of glassware, crockery & cookware and a really lovely, homey feel with the furniture & decor. We just absolutely loved everything about it – and such a short walk to the lake and town – location is perfect! Loads of very happy memories shared there and Louie the wonderdog didn’t want to come home. Highly recommend. Thank you for thinking of everything!
Amanda – June 2020
5. Kings Cottage
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King’s Cottage provides an oasis of relaxation after the year that was 2020! Achieving an official 4.5 star rating from Star Ratings Australia (no mean feat!), guests went one better and rated Kings Cottage 4.9/5 stars for the second year in a row. This quintessential country cottage charmed guests with the comfortable living spaces, cosy fireplace, luxurious baths and central location.
Our favourite guest review:
Wow!! What an absolutely gorgeous and super comfortable cottage. Kings Cottage has a very welcoming and warm ambience and has every creature comfort you could hope for. The kitchen is very well equipped, making self-catering extremely easy. The beds are super comfy too. We enjoyed our stay so much that we really didn’t want to leave.
Michelle – January 2020
4. Illoura – Hepburn Springs
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From the moment you step inside the door at Illoura, you know that you’re in a special place. Appearing in the top 5 of our Top 20 properties for the second year in a row with a rating of 4.9/5 stars, Illoura continues to amaze and delight guests with gorgeous interiors, comfy beds and an enviable location within walking distance to Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
Our favourite guest review:
This is our third stay at Illoura. We were blessed with beautiful weather and able to make use of the gorgeous outdoor setting, sitting in the sunshine and have our morning coffee outside with the birds. Everything about Illoura is simply gorgeous, so much attention to detail. They really have thought of everything. To top it off – super comfortable beds and pillows. This is our new little getaway and we can’t wait to get back again in 2021.
Many – October 2020
3. Breakneck Gorge Oikos – Hepburn Springs
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Staying at Oikos is truly an experience in and of itself, from the stunning architecture and interiors to the unbeatable views from every window. It’s not hard to see why Breakneck Gorge Oikos has won multiple architecture and design awards and our guests certainly agreed rating Oikos an impeccable 5/5 stars for the second year in a row!
Our favourite guest review:
Wow wow wow. Our stay at Oikos was perfect. This accommodation is only 2 years old and looks like it’s 0 days old given how pristine clean it is. There was literally nothing that could have done with another wipe down or a dust, a standard I’ve never come across before. The views are somehow so much better than the pictures, even though the pictures already look amazing. It’s very clear why this building won architectural awards – you can see the most amazing views from all rooms and the angles in the house are really beautiful. …
Tamara – June 2020
2. Lumella – Hepburn Springs
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A relative newcomer to the Dayget portfolio, architect-designed Lumella has quickly established itself as a premium property earning a solid 5-star rating from guests. The warm, inviting interiors create a cocoon of calm with views for miles from the picture windows. Guest loved spending time watching the ever-changing skies in complete and total privacy. As one guest described it; pure magic.
Our favourite guest review:
I found Lumella as a surprise for my husband for our wedding anniversary and it met all of my expectations. It’s private, beautiful design, panoramic views and so cosy to spend the weekend. We used the indoor fire at night and the outdoor fire in the afternoon while we sipped local Daylesford ciders and played finska, it was just the weekend we needed and we’ll be back 🙂
Jessie – March 2020
1. Montacute Pavilion and GardenS – Daylesford
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One of the most striking & unique properties in the region, Montacute Pavilion & Gardens is our top-rated property of 2020! Inspired by a Baroque banqueting pavilion and set in a magical garden Montacute Pavilion has been purpose-built as a homage to the garden pavilions at Montacute House, Somerset, England. Appearing for the second time in our Top 20 with a 5 star rating, guests raved about the unique architecture, stunning gardens, luxurious appointments and attention to detail.
Our favourite guest review:
I can’t recommend Montacute highly enough! We have just come back from three nights, we didn’t want to leave – this place is a slice of heaven – luxury and nature wrapped into one. Medicine for the soul on every level!
Yvonne – January 2020
