Unlike many of the country’s historic buildings, the Old Macaroni Factory built in 1859 is still in the hands of the family. Proprietor Maria Viola, is the fourth generation descendant of the Lucini brothers who fled to Australia as a political refugees from Intra, near Lake Maggiore close to the Swiss-Italian border.
Whilst renovation and funding is an ongoing process to rejuvenate the property, Maria and her son Matt welcome visitors to the property every weekend and invite them to share some of the magic they have inherited.
Lucini’s Pasta Café is fully licensed and operates Friday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with an Italian local produce menu and wines from the Daylesford-Macedon region.
Historic one hour fresco tours are on Saturday and Sunday at 10.30 am $10. They offer a rare experience and insight into the fascinating history of the family’s re-location to Australia. Much of their story is told through the unique and colourful frescoes that decorate the ceilings and walls. Special tour groups and meal packages can be arranged at other times during the week. In 2009 the property celebrated 150 years with important milestones. A Pioneer’s Avenue of honour salutes the many nationalities who settled in the area during the gold rush and worked at the “Jim Crow Diggings”. This commemorative community project is ongoing and families can be recognised with the planting of trees down the driveway of the property. Participation is open to descendants at a contribution of $150.
The property wears many caps. It is a museum, a heritage listed building, a café, a tour group fascination. It has a rambling garden, bocce court, piazza and garden stage. It offers simple pleasures and many different experiences for visitors. Many local festivals and events are a part of the annual program including the Geranium & Herb Festival and the Swiss Italian Festival. | 
