Set in the heart of Daylesford, The White House is an elegantly restored 1850s brick miner’s cottage that is ideal for a romantic getaway or weekend away with friends. Only one hour’s drive from the centre of Melbourne, this gorgeously decorated cottage is the work of Melbourne interior decorator Lyn Gardener, the owner of antiques mecca Empire Vintage, which offers a fabulous range of one-off vintage pieces and custom-made items. In Daylesford, Lyn has again worked her decorator’s magic to transform The White House into a place that’s perfect for lovers of vintage glamour. Arriving at the cottage is like stepping into another world as you head up the garden path and through the front door. With its high ceilings and original polished floorboards, every room is full of beautiful vintage furniture and quirky industrial pieces that come together to create a cosy, comfortable space.
Sweet dreams
There are two exquisite bedrooms, both with a plush queen-size bed, lovely handmade ticking linen, crisp white sheets and feather pillows. The first bedroom has a wonderfully open, airy feel thanks to its limewashed walls and shuttered windows, while the second features a stylish toile wallpaper sourced from the United States and an original leather club chair. You’ll also find a separate studio behind the cottage with French doors that open to the garden. This striking bedroom is adorned with vintage furniture and handmade linen bedding as well as a bathroom with a traditional claw-foot bath and shower. The main bathroom also plays host to a classic claw-foot bath that’s wonderful for a long, relaxing soak, and comes complete with unique handmade and individually wrapped soaps, shampoo and conditioner, and an antique French chandelier hanging over the tub. Opposite is the stunning library boasting 1930s leather club chairs and comfy cushions, which is well designed for curling up with a good book. The hand-painted Deborah Bowness wallpaper from the UK backs the floor-to-ceiling book shelves for a look that’s simply spectacular.
Industrial chic
Wander down the hallway and you’ll discover Lyn’s eclectic touches all over the two lounge areas, which are home to a unique collection of industrial furniture, cushions handmade from Union Jack flags and old flour bags and antique art. In the warmer months, you can open the French doors to the garden, while in winter, just make yourself comfortable in front of the huge open fireplace and watch a movie or relax with some music. Feeling peckish? The chic industrial-style kitchen is fully equipped with everything you’ll need for your stay, with the fridge and cupboards stocked with plenty of tasty provisions, including oranges so you can squeeze fresh juice for breakfast, free-range eggs, a loaf of local sourdough bread, butter, milk, tea and coffee. Breakfast can be enjoyed alfresco at the outdoor setting in summer or simply take a seat at the huge vintage dining table, which can seat up to eight people and offers views of the garden. There’s even a picnic basket so guests can pack a picnic and head down to the Daylesford Lake or the Botanic Gardens.
Out and about
The set of antique drawers in the living room is also filled with suggestions for what to do during your stay in Daylesford and with The White House just a brief stroll away from the centre of town you’ll certainly have time to take in the town’s many attractions. The region is well-known for its natural springs, so why not take a dip in the famous waters? The cottage is only a short drive to the Hepburn Springs and Spa, where you can indulge in a luxurious range of massage and spa treatments. There are also plenty of great restaurants and cafes in town, many offering fresh, local produce and top drops from nearby vineyards, while the Daylesford markets are on every Sunday and definitely worth the walk. There’s so much to do and see and with The White House being such a wonderful base for your break, you may never want to leave...
The White House
58 Albert St, Daylesford VIC 3460
Phone: 0416 032 111
Email: empire111@iprimus.com.au
www.empirevintage.com.au/thewhitehousedaylesford
Story by Lauren Broomham