Lake House lies on the shores of picturesque Lake Daylesford in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country just 90 minutes from Melbourne. The village like cluster of cream buildings nestle in amongst 6 acres of towering trees, country gardens and winding paths. These cascade to the foreshore providing guests with direct access to lake walks and the Wombat forest beyond.

Daylesford is a regional food mecca, a status that has been inspired and developed by the co-owner of Lake House Alla Wolf-Tasker AM. The pretty as a picture village of Daylesford, hilly and replete with church spires and interesting heritage buildings, is a short walk from the property. Its eclectic mix of artists’ studios, cafes, galleries and interesting shops exudes a sophisticated bohemian vibe and reflects an interesting and creative local community. The village is surrounded almost on all sides by the flora and fauna rich Wombat Forest. Only a few minutes away from the hub of cafes and good bookstores of the main street, wallabies and wombats populate the pristine bush environment Kookaburras fly in to be fed and flocks of gang gangs and cockatoos circle overhead.

The local region, justifiably referred to as Australia’s ‘Spa Country’ boasts the largest concentration of natural mineral springs in Australia as well as the largest number of holistic therapists. “Wellness” is a serious preoccupation here, with an incredible variety of beauty and health treatments on offer. Lake House’s onsite Salus Spa flies the flag for indulgent treatments and pampering, its secluded location amongst tall trees, bubbling creeks and an outlook from its hot mineral spas over the lagoon and foreshore speaks of serenity and retreat.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lake House is a tranquil retreat situated in 6 acres of abundant lake front gardens . Thirty-three rooms, suites and villas cascade down to the foreshore providing guests with immediate access to the lake shore and the Wombat State Forest beyond. Full sized tennis court, solar heated infinity pool, wine tastings, cooking classes, dining at the iconic restaurant or indulging at the award winning spa are all available onsite. Many other pleasurable entertaining and educational experiences are available nearby.

Rooms are individually furnished and decorated with limited edition prints and original canvases from co-owner and highly regarded artist Allan Wolf-Tasker as well as those of other artists from this culturally rich region. The picturesque village of Daylesford, an easy walk from the property offers the opportunity to explore all manner of interesting shops, galleries and markets Whilst providing a palpable sense of real ‘country retreat’, necessities of civilization are not neglected. Cross property Wi Fi, in room flat screens, ipod docks, espresso machines and delivery of a daily newspaper are all on hand. Room service? Of course!

Lodge Studios: Lodge Studios are located in the original ‘country house’. Individually configured and decorated, each cosy Studio includes luxurious bathroom with European style bath & shower or large contemporary shower, walk in robe and outdoor lounge area with garden or courtyard views.

Waterfront Pool Studios: Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Daylesford; beautiful Waterfront Pool Studios have some of the best views on the property. Immediately adjacent to the solar heated infinity pool – accessed either via balconies or through the private garden gate – the rooms overlook the pool waters or serene Spotted Gum laid terraces towards the lakeshore and rows of silverbirch originally planted in 1979. The recently renovated studios are indulgently appointed with plush interiors – large comfortable king beds with local woollen throws, wide luxurious sofas and armchairs perfect for relaxing in the afternoon with a little room service or glass of wine whilst watching the sunset over the far side of the lake. Modern ensuites include heated floors, bright light make up mirrors and dual showers.

Lodge Suites: Spacious and luxurious Lodge Suites are all individually decorated and designed with contemporary country interiors. No one is exactly the same. Each Lodge Suite features an impressive eggshell finished bookshelf heaving with a carefully crafted collection of books & curiosities.

Waterfront Suites: Accessed by a bridge over the cool fern gully these are ideal for an indulgent overnight escape or a blissful extended stay. Spacious, with large balconies or courtyards overlooking the lagoon and the lake shore, each suite is furnished with chic contemporary country interiors, king or twin bed, comfortable lounge and dining/ desk set up. There is a walk in robe, a bar area and in the ensuite, a dual shower, dual spa bath and heated floors.

The Sutton Suite: Spacious and luxurious Suite featuring plush & contemporary country interiors with private sun drenched courtyard.  The large stone finished bathroom has a deep ceramic tub, dual vanity and separate shower; there is also a walk in robe and dressing room.

The Retreat: A private luxe “retreat” of two villas situated behind a discreet gate. Amongst its own gardens and with direct access to the lake foreshore, the Retreat offers the opportunity for a more private getaway within the fabled Lake House grounds. Two sumptuously furnished bedrooms, fireside lounging areas, two luxury bathroom /dressing rooms and fully equipped kitchen and bar areas. And in case you’re not inclined to move a muscle – the Retreat’s butler is available on tap.

The style of the Retreat at Lake House is one of refreshingly fresh and charming quirkiness featuring hand selected pieces from Olly of San Francisco. Whilst style abounds, creature comforts are never neglected. All the essentials of a luxe fit out including heated bathroom floors, wifi, espresso machines and good sound systems are all provided.

FOOD & WINE

Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Australia; Lake House is a world class destination for travellers seriously interested in food and wine.

With a multitude of awards to its name – it’s a regular on the list of top restaurants around the country and current holds 2 Chefs Hats, Australia’s Best Food & Wine Experience, Australia’s Bes Wine List ( Hall of Fame) and Australia’s Top Ten Restaurants.

A tasting menu, vegetarian tasting menu and full a la carte menu provide plenty of options for guests staying more than 2-3 nights. In fact it’s not uncommon for a two nights stay to extend – if only to sample another delicious meal from the kitchen.

Contemporary dishes, inspire even the savviest and most well-travelled palates and the Lake House kitchen philosophy of working from the ground up and with the best available seasonal produce means that travellers get a real sense of the best Australian produce on the plate.

The picturesque Lake House dining room – airy and with glorious views by day and moodily lit and romantic by night serves lunch and dinner daily and breakfast for in house guests only.

Grab a seat in the plush Argyle Library Bar for bespoke seasonal cocktails. Or in the warmer months enjoy the views from the Lagoon Deck overlooking lake Daylesford.

Private dining for groups is available in the Cellar Dining Room where the locally crafted hand adzed oak table seats up to 16 guests. The wine list which features almost 1400 different labels is tended to by a passionate team of hospitality professionals; this is no afterthought – the carefully curated list features some of the most sought after wines in the world as well as great examples of local Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet.

Produce is grown, picked and harvested from Dairy Flat Farm, their own 38-acre regenerative growing facility, located 8 minutes down the road from Lake House. Five acres of developed vegetable and cutting gardens are flourishing, a planted orchard of 300 trees; an existing repaired olive grove of 200 trees and a similarly attended to a two-and-a-half-acre vineyard plus a glasshouse and bakehouse providing produce, inspiration and treats directly to Lake House daily. 

Wombat Hill House Café & Gardens
Their offsite sister café Wombat Hill House offers casual country fare in a magical setting in the midst of Daylesford’s beautiful Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Sitting high on an extinct volcano overlooking the village, it’s a great place for a stroll or bike ride. They also offer picnic baskets and blankets so you can take full advantage of the seasonal beauty of the gardens.

Cooking School – Learn from some of Australia’s most interesting chefs, producers, growers & winemakers plus get hands on tuition in contemporary cooking techniques from senior chefs of the award winning Lake House kitchen team. Check out the 2018 Lake House Cooking School Calendar of events.

Lake House: Three Decades On – A Book by Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM – Australia’s much loved regional icon of great food, wine and bespoke hospitality, now in its fourth decade, continues with its multitude of top listings in premier award lists. In this book, Alla Wolf-Tasker shares her love for the region and Lake House, her admiration for great producers both local and across Australia, with wonderful recipes, captivating stories and magnificent imagery.

Alla Wolf-Tasker AM is the Culinary Director and co-proprietor, together with her husband Allan and daughter Larissa, of Lake House in Daylesford. She is the recipient of a myriad of ‘Contributions to Industry’ awards, has several ‘Living Legend’ awards under her belt and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her work in the hospitality and tourism areas.

EXPERIENCES

COOKING CLASSES

A regular calendar of Cooking Classes are hosted by Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM in the state of the art demonstration kitchen at Lake House. Many of Australia’s top chefs, regional producers and winemakers are frequent participants in the program. Hands on culinary workshops and ‘foraging’ excursions for both wild foods and artisanal produce are available  to groups through advance booking.

WHERE OUR FOOD COMES FROM….

Food and wine are consuming passions in Daylesford, and with good reason. A quirk of sunlight, soil, rain and the mineral rich volcanic soil means anything in the ground almost grows itself.

There’s an undisguised pride amongst local producers and winemakers and there’s a plethora of experiences to be had in ‘ meeting the locals’ be they brewers, cider or winemakers, farmers, cattle, lamb or pork breeders, smallgoods producers or even bee keepers.

Armed with a ‘Tasty little Touring Map’, you can tour local villages visiting farm gates, markets, cellar doors or have Lake House design your own bespoke expedition. You’ll be spoilt for choice. The region was awarded Best Food Region in the delicious magazine Australian Produce Awards and hosts culinary travellers from all over the world.

THE ARTIST STUDIO

Allan Wolf-Tasker, Lake House co-proprietor and talented artist distributes his work to collectors worldwide. His studio is found onsite at Lake House and he welcomes guests to have a look at what he’s currently working on. A selection of his works is on display throughout the property and in each of the individual guest rooms.

THE SPA AT LAKE HOUSE – ‘taking to the waters’ and more…

Mineral Water…In a region that boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia, their own locally bottled Daylesford Pure Water is available for guests.

The state-of-the-art Spa is surrounded by waterfall fed streams and offers ten treatment areas.  A team of specialist massage therapists offer the best of holistic, remedial, deep tissue and relaxation treatments whilst a dedicated beauty team offer Advanced Performance and anti aging facials from the premium Elemis Range.

Individual private geisha style tubs offer hot 100% pure mineral water bathing. Located in ‘tree houses’  these overlook the lagoon and lake shore beyond  submerged in the therapeutic bubbles guests can look through the louvered shutters to the lake shore below.

Signature Seasonal Treatments… Signature seasonal treatments use first pressed essential oils and reflect  the region’s bounty – they utilise rosemary, pine and eucalyptus in Winter; magnolia, citrus and lilac in Spring.

Signature Treatment – Bliss… Utilising the seasonal fragrances found throughout the Wombat State Forest and the local countryside, this body treatment combines a soothing rhythmic massage using hot volcanic rocks and warm oil to reduce tension and ease muscle aches. The body is then polished with Lime and Ginger salts to remove rough skin. Whilst you are all wrapped up, a soothing face and scalp massage completes this nourishing experience. Finish off with a Hydrostorm experience where steam assists the absorption of essential oils whilst Vichy jets and Waterfall showers rinse away the salt, exposing beautiful soft skin – fresh, nourished and rejuvenated.

GETTING THERE

Just ninety minutes from Melbourne by car, Lake House lies on the shores of Lake Daylesford, in the heart of Victoria’s spa country.

Driving directions:

From Melbourne Airport: take the Calder Highway to Woodend Township, turn left and follow the signs to Daylesford. In Daylesford take another left turn at the Albert Street roundabout into the main street. Continue through town, past the nest roundabout opposite the post office for another 200-300 metres. This is King Street. Lake House is off this main road on the right hand side, nestled on the South Eastern foreshore of Lake Daylesford.

From Melbourne City: From Melbourne CBD travel over the Westgate Bridge and take the Western Ring Road until the left Western Highway exit with signs to Ballarat. Once on the Western Highway travel for about one hour until the Ballan/Daylesford turnoff. After taking this left exit turn right toward Daylesford and travel for around 30 kilometres. Lake House is a left hand turn off King Street, the main road into town. Should you reach the roundabout opposite the post office in the main township you have travelled about 200 metres to far. Turn around and you will find us on the right.