Last updated October 2026
Daylesford has 4 new places to stay and a new wine bar on the lake. Volante in Clunes, Marlowe and The Rook in Daylesford, and Blacksmiths Cottage in Lyonville have just joined the Daylesford Country Retreats collection, and Leggatt St Wine Bar has opened on Lake Daylesford.
Daylesford is about 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne in Victoria’s Central Highlands, and here’s what’s new, who each stay suits and how to fit it into a weekend away.
The new stays at a glance
| Stay | Where | Bedrooms | Sleeps | Best for | Dog friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volante | Clunes | 1 | 2 | A quiet escape for two | No |
| Marlowe | Daylesford | 2 | 4 | Two couples or friends | No |
| Blacksmiths Cottage | Lyonville | 2 | 4 | A cosy escape with the dog | Yes |
| The Rook | Daylesford | 3 | 6 | Walking to town with family or friends | No |
Meet the 4 new stays
Volante in Clunes – a designer retreat for two
1 Bedroom | Sleeps 2
Volante is a 1-bedroom architectural retreat in historic Clunes, made for two. Sliding glass doors open the living space to the countryside and Mount Beckworth beyond, and the walls carry a curated collection of Australian art. There’s a window seat for doing very little, an island kitchen for putting together a platter of local produce, and a covered timber deck for a glass of local wine at sunset.
Marlowe in Daylesford – treetop views and warm timber
2 Bedrooms | Sleeps 4
Marlowe is a contemporary 2-bedroom home with exposed timber beams, polished concrete floors and a timber staircase. One bedroom opens onto a private timber balcony with treetop views, and the dining area is framed by a big picture window, so slow coffees come easily. With 2 bathrooms, it suits two couples or friends travelling together. It’s in the Village at Middleton Field, a village-style estate in Daylesford, with the town’s cafés, galleries and boutiques within easy reach.
Blacksmiths Cottage in Lyonville – a dog-friendly heritage cottage
2 Bedrooms | Sleeps 4
Once the village blacksmith’s home, Blacksmiths Cottage is a restored miner’s cottage with views towards Mount Babbington and Wombat State Forest. A Ned Kelly wood burner warms the living room, the farmhouse-style kitchen looks out to the forest, and a vintage dining table seats 6. There’s a queen and a double bedroom, and your dog is welcome too. Trentham is a 5-minute drive away and Daylesford is under 15 minutes.
The Rook in Daylesford – a modern home you can walk from
3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 6
The Rook is a modern 2-level, 3-bedroom home with a playful chess-inspired streak. Warm timber, earthy tones and soft sheer curtains give the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area a relaxed feel, and the bedrooms are done in rich greens and terracotta. It sits at what locals call the “Paris end” of Daylesford, so you can leave the car behind and walk to Cliffy’s Emporium, the Sunday Market and Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. A sheltered courtyard is there for a slow coffee, an afternoon drink or dinner outdoors.
A new wine bar on Lake Daylesford
Leggatt St Wine Bar has opened on Lake Daylesford, from the team behind Winespeake. It serves small bites and great wines by the water, Thursday to Monday from midday to sunset, with bookings through their website.
Stay close and you can walk there. Boatshed Villas by Istana – Yellow Door, Vue Lake Daylesford Villa and Accolade are all about a 10-minute walk away.
Planning a Melbourne Cup long weekend in Daylesford
The Melbourne Cup long weekend runs from Saturday 31 October to Tuesday 3 November 2026, with the public holiday on the Tuesday. Take the Monday off and it becomes a 4-night break, which is long enough to settle in properly. Think slow mornings, long lunches, a wander around the lake and an evening in. Whether you follow the racing or not, it’s a good excuse to leave the city behind. You can check availability for Sat 31 Oct to Wed 4 Nov here.
Frequently asked questions
Which of the new Daylesford stays are dog friendly?
Blacksmiths Cottage in Lyonville welcomes dogs. Volante, Marlowe and The Rook are not dog friendly.
How far is Lyonville from Daylesford?
Blacksmiths Cottage is under 15 minutes’ drive from Daylesford and about 5 minutes from Trentham.
Can I walk to the Sunday Market from The Rook?
Yes. Cliffy’s Emporium, the Sunday Market and Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are all a walk away from The Rook.
Which new stay is best for a couple?
Volante in Clunes is a 1-bedroom retreat made for two. Marlowe has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, which suits two couples travelling together.
What are Leggatt St Wine Bar’s opening hours?
Thursday to Monday from midday to sunset, with bookings through the Leggatt St website. Check their website for any changes before you go.
Why book direct?
You get the best rates, local expertise, and peace of mind knowing your entire stay is managed by our local team right here in Daylesford.