A perfect country escape, Lakeleigh is a much admired landmark property located right on the foreshore of picturesque Lake Daylesford, with magical views from every room to the lake and the village beyond. Anyone who has walked around Lake Daylesford is sure to have admired it!
THE LOCATION
Daylesford is a small country town, an easy 1 hour's drive west from Melbourne. It's famous for its natural mineral springs and spas. The historic town has many interesting buildings, shops, art galleries, wineries and restaurants.
THE PLACE
In a nutshell, Lakeleigh is a classic, cosy, charming, country-style white weatherboard cottage in a magical setting. It comprises 3 bedrooms upstairs, 2 with balconies overlooking the Lake, 2 bathrooms, a conservatory currently furnished as the dining room, a sitting room and a living room, plus kitchen and laundry. Outdoors there's a stone terrace and a deck.
Featured in several magazines and on Channel 9's Postcards series, Lakeleigh's charm and character is achieved through an abundance of architectural details such as dormer windows and coved ceilings in the bedrooms, exposed ceiling beams, louvered white timber shutters, an English style conservatory, stone and timber floors, a sandstone fireplace and mantelpiece, and a bespoke limed timber fitted kitchen including hanging plate rack.
The overall colour palette of the interior is white on white. There's lots of light and windows which open onto the stunning English style gardens.
For entertaining the floor plan flows inside, connecting the dining room, conservatory, sitting room and living room - and when the French doors are opened onto the terrace, the outside and inside become one.
THE GARDEN
It's a garden for all seasons. In spring there're masses of bulbs including daffodils and tulips. In summer the established trees provide welcome shade and the grape covered arbour becomes a cool place to retreat to. When the weather cools down rich autumnal colours kick in, and in winter the hellebores cover the ground and the camellias are at their best. Land area approx 820 sq.m.
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
Lakeleigh is currently let as short term boutique accommodation. The turnover is significant and the opportunity exists to continue this arrangement while providing an enviable lifestyle. While furnishings are not included, most items are available for sale.
AGENTS in conjunction: Nelson Alexander, Melbourne
Arch Staver 0417 515 802
*Interior images courtesy of Country Home Ideas magazine
See also: www.lakeleighdaylesford.com.au/
THE STORY
When the current owner was searching for a weekend property within a short commute of Melbourne, she concentrated her search on the coastal towns of the Mornington Peninsula, and then later extended her search to the Bellarine Peninsula.
Daylesford wasn't even on her radar. However an article featuring Lakeleigh in an interior design magazine, accompanied by a For Sale sign, prompted her to arrange an inspection immediately.
As soon as she entered the property, she knew this was what she'd been looking for, and that this was it! The search was over.
That was back in 2002 and Lakeleigh has since been a wonderful country retreat and setting for many convivial gatherings shared with friends and family. The setting of the cottage on the lake provides a peaceful place to relax and observe the changes each season brings.
When the owner of Lakeleigh retired from work in the city, she opened an antique shop Peonies and Picnics in Daylesford, selling country style furniture and decorator objects. Many of the objects offered for sale were purchased in markets in France and Portugal, and many of these ended up as fixtures and fittings to decorate Lakeleigh. For example there's an antique brass hanging light in the conservatory and provincial lamps found in a garage sale in France, placed beside the beds.
Now she has settled permanently in Daylesford and become active in the vibrant local community. She has acquired a larger property on the outskirts of town. So it is time, reluctantly, for Lakeleigh to be sold, and to be enjoyed and appreciated by the next owner.
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