It is a working farm – there are always growers and gardeners around, often the beekeeper or viticulturalist. And then there are the bakers. After a quick ‘early riser’ coffee, you might be lured out on a morning walk by the birdsong and the mist lying in the gullies, but you’ll be spurred on by the smell of fresh bread and pastries baking. Make sure to stop by for a chat in the Bake House.
Through the formal gardens and the olive groves and onto the vegetable and herb gardens where the morning’s harvest will be in progress – destined for the tables at the Lake House Restaurant. Walk down the Manchurian Pear walk to the dam and stop for a few moments of silence – you may be rewarded, with the sight of a mother kangaroo and her joey, a water bird fishing and certainly the sound of many happy frogs.
By now the Lodge Concierge will be grinding fresh coffee beans in the kitchen and the house and its residents will be stirring in readiness for the country breakfast that awaits. Conversation flows and people make arrangements for their day. In the library, or peace and quiet somewhere in the extensive gardens with a good book; more strolls through the vineyard and across the pastures; or some local off-site adventures on foot or on one of our electric bikes. Pretty Leitches Creek Mineral Spring, Daylesford Cidery, and Passing Clouds Winery, down local country lanes, are all but minutes away.
The latter two both offer delicious tipples and relaxed casual lunch options. No need for your car. And then there’s nearby Istra as well, where you can fill your basket with local ham, salami, prosciutto or in season Musk Berry Farm. Bring it back to Dairy Flat Farm, cut up a loaf of our fresh sourdough and enjoy in the sunshine with a glass of wine. All that exercise and fresh air might require an afternoon nap – possibly interrupted by the jangle of the drinks cart as Aperitivo hour expands the variety of libations available in the honour bar.