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Here in Victoria, we’re lucky to have access to a glorious range of boutique regional accommodation – from exclusive coastal stays and stargazing bubbles to quirky off-grid tiny houses. And as part of my job, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of them (lucky duck, I know!).
But as I drive up the gorgeous tree-lined driveway to Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm, past a field of curious alpacas and sheep, and catch my first glimpse of the grey-and-white, gable-roofed homestead, I have an immediate hunch that this spot could just be one of the most special places I have ever stayed. And that’s before I discover more about the rich family ties of the property and its strong sustainability ethos.
Dairy Flat is located on a 38-hectare regenerative farm in Musk, just a ten-minute drive from the township of Daylesford. It’s owned and operated by the Wolf-Tasker family, who are best known for establishing the nearby Lake House (aka one of Victoria’s most highly acclaimed restaurants) more than 40 years ago, and firmly putting the region on the culinary map.
While Dairy Flat officially opened in late 2019, the Wolf-Tasker family has been continuously developing and evolving the property to create what is now, undoubtedly, one of the state’s premier country escapes. The homestead itself can accommodate up to 12 guests across six spacious individual suites, and it’s available for exclusive use – hello, multi-generational holiday. There’s also a communal lounge, kitchen and dining area, stocked with books, board games and a stack of fresh pastries you can help yourself to.
The interior vibe is giving luxe provincial lodge – think free-standing clawfoot bathtubs, a grand central fireplace, lush textures and patterns, cloud-like king-size beds, and a colour palette spotlighting rich green and blue hues. It’s as if you’ve been dropped right into the pages of Country Style or Belle Magazine.
My favourite feature is the art adorning the walls. While some are by local artists, many are the work of Allan Wolf-Tasker himself. The late patriarch of the family was a revered artist, and his lush landscape paintings are a lovely tribute to his decorated artistic career.
A wander around the grounds is a must when you stay at Dairy Flat. I happen to be visiting on a particularly sunny weekend, and my first attempt at exploring is halted when I spot the pool area. A newish addition to the property, the nine-metre mineral pool has been seamlessly sculpted into the natural hillside, and boasts striped umbrellas, plush lounge chairs and views across the pinot and chardonnay vines. Settling in with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other, I felt like I’d been teleported to Tuscany.
Venture further, though, and you’ll find a 300-tree orchard (with apple, pear, quince and stone fruit trees); an olive grove; flourishing herb, veggie and flower beds; a dam; beehives; a large barn; and ornamental hedge gardens. Much of what is grown and harvested here ends up on the menu at the Lake House, and the team is also able to experiment with rarer ingredients and seasonal produce.
But the pièce de résistance? It’s got to be the on-site artisan bakehouse, which is open daily to guests. Located in a semi-underground cellar, it churns out a regular supply of slow-fermented sourdough bread and other goodies like croissants, doughnuts and fruit Danish pastries using flour sourced from local millers. If you’re keen to learn more about the process, there are even sourdough baking classes held regularly on Sundays.
The celebration of beautiful, wholesome food and warm hospitality is at the heart of everything the Wolf-Tasker family does, so it’s no surprise that brekky is a country-style feast cooked up in the main kitchen. Expect bacon, eggs, roasted veggies (the sweet, juicy tomatoes are a highlight), just-brewed coffee and plenty of fresh-outta-the-bakehouse treats. You’ll also have access to a priority reservation at the Lake House, or you can do as I did and stay in for a multi-course farmhouse dinner – it’s another wonderful showcase of locally grown and supplied produce.
Loaded with a bounty of pastries, I depart Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm after a blissful 24 hours of incredible dining, leisurely strolls around the property, a long soak in the tub and an immense respect for everything the Wolf-Tasker family has worked so hard to create.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, consider it the ultimate country escape that will leave you feeling refuelled and rejuvenated in all the best ways possible – you can find out more about experiencing the magic of the property for yourself here.
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