Winter in Daylesford - The Stoney

Foxs Lane, Musk Vale

www.hollowlogestate.com.au

 Mon – Thurs $200 per night (2 people); Fri – Sun $220 per night

Pet Friendly

Most Melbourne-ites and those from the North of Melbourne know Daylesford well.  It offers a one hour (or so) escape from the city.  My husband and I visit Daylesford relatively frequently.  I am not a spa person.  I wouldn’t call myself a “foodie”.  I do enjoy floating through “ye ole wares” shops.  I LOVE getting out of the city.  I don’t really like the cold.  I hate being cold.  I LOVE roasting in front of a fire until my cheeks are red.  I love a good chai.  

Hollow Log Estate – The Stoney

Before heading off on a warmer holiday to the Northern parts of Australia, we decided to have a couple of relaxing days away in Daylesford (again!).  We wanted to have a bit of a sense of space on this visit and were pleased to find the Bentley-friendly (Bentley is our Labradoodle) cottage called “The Stoney”.  The Stoney is a quaint and cosy Casltemaine stone and slate studio cottage.  It met all of my “wish list” requirements for this trip: a fire to sit around; cosy feel; open space surroundings; within budget; and, of course, Bentley-friendly!

The day before we arrived, it had snowed in Daylesford.  I was a little apprehensive… it was going to be FREEZING.  And it was.  Just outside though, inside was toasty as long as the fire was burning.

The Stoney is one of two cottages on this property.  The second is a two bedroom weather-board.  The owners live on the property too although, apart from the welcome on arrival, we didn’t see them at all (which I personally like).  The cottage has a Ned Kelly style wood fire  (those things sure are seriously efficient!!).  There is an acre of enclosed grassed space signed posted “Dog Exercise Area”, which is just gold.  There are kangaroos, kookaburras, ducks and chickens.  You are provided with breakfast provisions and we were able to cook a spaghetti Bolognese on one of the three nights (so good cooking equipment for a basic meal or, if you do want to Master Chef it up, enjoy the challenge!).  My only suggestion for improvement would be a hat stand or other clothes rack by the door for clothes (wasn’t a problem for us and there are coat hooks, but if you were attending a wedding or function you would want to hang up your outfit).   

You can go for a peaceful walk or jog.  Wander around the land and through the forest (stick to the tracks though).  Photograph the surroundings and just relax with a good book, a DVD, or stack of magazines.   If you are looking for a comfortable country-style break, this place should do the trick!

We loved this place and will definitely be back.   I recommend Hollow Log Estate for those with or without a dog.  It is located about five minutes (drive) out of Daylesford (if you are coming from Melbourne).  Just look out for the blue sign that points to the right (Google Maps and our Sat Nav didn’t really find it). 

Where did we eat?

Lucini’s Historic Pasta Café: The Old Canelloni Factory

Bentley stayed home in the warm (I would say he would be more than welcome in the warmer weather or during the day).  A bowl of pasta and minestrone soup followed by tiramisu (as usual for husband) and poached pears with berries for dessert.  A beautiful open fire.  An informative presentation by the owner on the history of the place.  A separate room with interesting artifacts.  In summary: reasonably good food, good company and, yes, a song!

The Old Hepburn Hotel (236 Main Road Hebpurn Springs).  You start to think you might have driven too far but don’t give up.  It is well worth it.  We enjoyed live music, a couple of drinks and a delicious Chicken Parma and Haloumi and Roast Vegetable Stack.  Bentley stayed home after a big day!

Wombat Hill Café.  Cosy (although semi –outdoors for us), yummy, BEST CHAI!  Sat in the conservatory with Bentley under panel gas heaters.  He enjoyed a dog treat from the market and we warmed up with soup!  Don’t forget to ask the wait staff to open the side door for your dog to come in!

Any good purchases?

Tweed hat and 1940’s grape picking basket from the Sunday Market (every Sunday at the Railway).   

Black ultra short UGG boots (on sale) at “Double C Jeanery” 44 Vincent Street.

Nude Brogue style Melissa Shoes (on sale).  Behind Frangos & Frangos 82 Vincent Street.

All images my own.