The Lake House Daylesford was one of Australia’s first destination dining experiences, and 40 years later it is still one of our most loved and awarded. It is a passionate labour of love for Alla and Allan Wolf-Tasker and their family. The couple started with an empty plot of land on a lake and transformed it into an Italian Agriturismo-inspired restaurant that grew to include hotel rooms, a tennis court and, now, a wet edge pool, which in turn transformed loyal customers into staying guests.
Looking out over the 15-hectare property, which supplies the iconic Lake House restaurant.
Located in the hamlet of Musk, around seven kilometres from Daylesford in central Victoria, Dairy Flat Farm is the ultimate food and farm experience.
Alla is regularly recognised as one of the most influential people in Australian food. The draw of her passion for locally grown food that is sustainable also drew similar-minded people to Daylesford and the Macedon region in Victoria’s central highlands – rich in volcanic soil and mineral springs. Now it’s a creative hub of food and wine lovers, producers and growers creating craft cider, award-winning wines and excellent produce. It’s also massage mecca, with its energetic vibrations making this spot on the map the (supposed) home of more massage therapists than anywhere else in Australia.
Another harvest on its way to the table.
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The farm’s plantings are an education in waiting for guests.
The newest addition to the Lake House family is Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm, 10 minutes’ drive away. They had been looking to support the kitchen with more locally grown, organic produce – and already this lush, regenerative farm is providore to the Lake House restaurant and Wombat Hill House cafe in Daylesford, and is productive all year round with a full-time farm staff.
Pathways are reminiscent of the European lodge experience.
The library at Dairy Flat’s lodge.
A tour with farm manager Pedro is recommended to get your head around the enormity of the lodge and farm, with its olive groves, citrus orchard and burgeoning vineyard embracing the plots and greenhouses nurturing zucchini flowers, artichokes, all manner of greens and herbs destined for Alla’s kitchen. The beehives, bakehouse and rambling alpacas add to the romance.
Relaxing in the lounge and enjoying the view.
The idea for a stay at Dairy Flat Farm is to bring everyone with you and gather under one roof together at the table. The main house has four double chambers and two vineyard suites, so a party of 12 would fit neatly. It’s seriously luxe cottage core here – fully serviced, big overstuffed armchairs, fantastic roaring fires and freestanding baths with views.
Green vegetables of all sorts.
The king-size bedrooms are full-on luxury.
On the ground floor, a sumptuous shared dining, lounge and library are served by a well-stocked kitchen where concierge Mariana will pull together an extraordinary breakfast – local fruits, a reverie of croissants, signature sourdough and the excellent rhubarb strudel made downstairs in the bakery, yoghurt, granola, eggs any way and jars of sticky compotes, jams and chutneys.
Each of the suites has a five-star ensuite.
A cedar hot tub overlooks the vineyards.
Dairy Flat Farm is the kind of perfect place that was made for weddings, important birthdays and house parties, whether those occasions are civilised or perhaps not so much.
BOOK AHEAD
Call ahead and Dairy Flat Farm can fill your itinerary with bespoke experiences:
The sustainable farm tour
Beekeeping workshop
Baking workshop
Massage with Lake House Spa therapists
And book a table for sunset drinks then dinner at Lake House restaurant
A well-stocked bar cart awaits.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Sadly, between our visit to Dairy Flat Farm and publication of this story, Allan Wolf-Tasker passed away. Our thoughts are with the family.
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm is located at 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk, Victoria; (03) 5348 3329, dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au
