Just about every Melburnian and their miniature cavoodle spend a few weekends each winter in sylvan Daylesford, but now there is a new just-out-of-town option for hearty bush breakfasts and antique treats: picture perfect neighbouring town Trentham.
LUXE chatted with Melbourne-based interiors extraordinaire Lynda Gardener (aka owner of our fave Fitzroy pied-à-terre The White Room and long-time LUXE-loved shopportunity Empire Vintage) about her gorgeous new Trentham property The Estate, and got the goss on where to sup, shop and stay (no points for guessing that one!) in this up-and-coming countryside enclave.
Why did you choose Trentham as the locale of your latest property?
Trentham has always been in my thoughts since I opened The White House in nearby Daylesford. I always detour through Trentham on my way up from Melbourne and I just loved the peacefulness and the beautiful landscape. It really is a picture postcard perfect town.
Tell us a bit about The Estate Trentham. How different is it from your other properties, The White Room in Fitzroy and The White House in Daylesford?
The Estate Trentham is a gorgeous weatherboard 1912 house with three bedrooms and a huge working garden [ed. note: hellooo, free-standing bath next to the original fireplace. Sud-sational!]. The outdoor elements are much more important at The Estate than at either of my other properties – there are organic veggie patches and a little fruit orchard (which guests can pick produce from), a big wrap around verandah and a barn that we’ve converted into a space for intimate events. The outdoor areas have also influenced the inside of the house, which is more fresh and light than my other properties which are smaller and more cosy. It’s a reflection of my style right now, which is a unique mix of old and new. I like to call it the ‘modern lumberjack look’!
Trentham is known for fine produce-driven fodder, where do you eat when you’re up there?
The Trentham Collective is a small-run family business with great style and good simple food. They do the best breakfast and have fabulous homemade cakes too. Colliban Foodstore has a wonderful wine bar and cafe that’s great for lunch, or for dinner you can’t go past Annie Smither’s Du Fermier. It books out weeks in advance and for good reason – it really is a must do! The best bread is from Red Beard Bakery and the best pub meal from The Farmers Arms on the way out of Daylesford.
And when guests aren’t lounging in your lush rooms or nibbling in a cafe what can they do?
The countryside in this part of Victoria is gorgeous. There are waterfalls just a few minutes drive from The Estate or a beautiful walking trail starts right alongside the house – it takes you through The Wombat State Forest for around two easy hours. There are also some great antique spots nearby – The Amazing Mill Markets (I’ve yet to leave there without taking home something) or the Daylesford Markets along the old train line every Sunday. While you’re in Daylesford make sure you call past David Bromley’s gallery store Bromley&Co.; and Manteau Noir as well.
Which current lines are you loving right now?
The hand loomed rugs we have – they’re made from recycled denim strips and have such a great textured look.
Three places on your travel wish list and why?
Denmark because I think the Danes have such a great sense of style, Cuba interests me for the architecture and music, and Budapest because my grandmother was born there!
In Melbourne I sup at…
Chin Chin – I’ve got a mini addiction to three things on their menu… and most of their cocktails too.
Sip at…
Thomas Olive – for its hidden location right in the heart of Collingwood, great interior and cool barmen.
Shop at… (other than my own!)
Aesop – for their incredibly beautiful fit outs and fab smelling products. The Resurrection Hand Cream is sublime.
The Estate Trentham, Falls Rd, Trentham, Victoria. +61 416 032 111, theestatetrentham.com.au
Lynda Gardener: Curated, 63 Cardigan Place, Albert Park, Melbourne. +61 3 9682 6677. facebook.com
