Lavandula Swiss/Italian Farm

Relax in the country, tranquillity, breathe fresh air, listen to birdsong and be refreshed.

Ninety minutes from Melbourne, and just north of Daylesford in central Victoria, Lavandula has space and beautiful vistas.

At its heart is the golden stone rustica, a cluster of farm buildings constructed by Italians from southern Switzerland who came to look for gold and stayed to farm. The farmhouse is open for viewing each afternoon and gives an immediate sense of Italian rural life in 1860s Victoria. Twenty years ago Carol White restored the buildings creating a European garden and productive farming lifestyle.

Eat al fresco. The licensed café which is accredited by The Age Good Food Guide, explores European cuisine and in season, sources food from the garden. La Trattoria's seasonal menu ranges from bread and oil, salads and risotto, to meats baked in the wood oven. With beautifully light, home-made lavender scones children can enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade, while parents can treat themselves to a glass of lavender champagne.

Enjoy the space. Lie on a rug by the creek. Children can explore the garden and find farm animals. Play petanque or climb the hill to the olive grove. In the Barn find select home wares and Lavandula's range of products good for body and soul.

Lavender is planted as crop art: in winter it's trimmed and sculptural; at Christmas the lavender is in flower and we harvest by hand with sickles through the heat of January. Bunches are hung to dry under every veranda. Our products are made by hand in the Distillery.

The beautiful garden and La Trattoria are available for small outdoor European-style functions, weddings or birthdays.

Lavandula's contemporary accommodation is just nearby at the head of a secret valley. Broad decks, big view, chic three bedrooms, spa tub & shower room, modern kitchen. Relax deeply.