Accommodating up to four guests in two bedrooms, Courthouse Merindah is centrally located in Daylesford and is within walking distance to many of the major attractions of the region. This week we caught up with owners Mark and Marian to learn more about Courthouse Merindah.
Tell us about your property. Do you know about the history or the style of it?
Merindah means “beautiful” and comes from the language of the Gadigal people in Eastern Australia.
Whilst our villa is relatively new, the complex has a lovely village feel to it as you walk up the winding, shady drive lit by fairy lights to our little place at the back. As new owners we are actually looking at our place with “new eyes” just like our guests. We know the instant appeal of Courthouse Merindah 4 and how cosy and welcoming it feels as you open the front door and step inside to a property which has a contemporary feel with comfort and ambience.
A major feature of Courthouse Merindah 4 is its location. Being in Camp Street, it is within walking distance of everything – shops, cafes, restaurants, The Convent and Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Being able to walk everywhere is so convenient and there is no need to appoint a “designated driver” if a night on the town is planned!
The property also has access to a shared heated indoor pool – a rarity for Daylesford accommodation. Great for families too, with no more bored kids if the weather turns a little cool during your holiday.
Why did you choose Daylesford as the location for your holiday home?
We have visited and stayed in Daylesford numerous times over the past 20 years and aspired to one day buy a property in the region. We love the quality and variety of local produce, the beautiful countryside, the vibrantly changing seasons and the variety of activities on offer which means you can experience all the delights of Daylesford regardless of your budget.
Of course, the location is excellent, being only 110km from Melbourne CBD, making it highly suitable for a week, weekend or day trip.
What sort of experience do you want your guests to have when staying at your property?
We have created an environment that is warm and welcoming and not too precious because we want our guests to instantly relax and feel at home. However we also want them to feel special during their stay. That is why we give them a gourmet hamper with samples of local produce and provide quality complimentary toiletries, which of course can be used whilst relaxing in the upstairs spa whilst sipping a glass of chilled champagne. We want our guests to enjoy everything Daylesford has to offer and then look forward to coming “home” to Merindah and actually feeling a part of Daylesford for the time they are there, rather than just a visitor.
What is your favourite time of the year to visit the region and why?
Daylesford is a beautiful part of the world at any time of the year but winter is our favourite time to visit. We love rugging up and going for walks and stopping for coffee or hot chocolate along the way. There is nothing better than sliding into a beautiful warm spa pool at the Hepburn Bath House and looking through the huge windows to the chilly scene outside. The shops and restaurants are cosy, warm and inviting and there is nothing like bracing weather to really get the appetite going. Although most of the trees have lost their leaves by this time, the scenery is still beautiful in its starkness and the air is so clean and invigorating.
What do you think is special about this region?
The region is special because regardless of its popularity and the large number of visitors it attracts, it still manages to retain a beautiful simplicity. It doesn’t rely on hype and glitz to promote itself but let’s the quality food and wine, natural surrounds, architecture and local tourist attractions speak for themselves. The region has something to offer year round to a wide variety of people. Daylesford can be anything you want it to be.
Do you have a favourite village or hamlet to visit near Daylesford and what do you like about it?
Trentham is another favourite of ours to visit. We always stop for lunch at the Cosmopolitan Hotel with its rustic setting and wonderful beer garden. Who could go past the Red Beard Historic Bakery for coffee and a quick read of the paper, perhaps buying a jar of beautiful local jam or preserve to take home? Then wander in and out of the shops along High Street and finish with a visit to the Catherine Abel Gallery – her paintings are captivating and so unique.
If you were to create an itinerary for a perfect weekend stay in the region, from check in to check out, what would this include?
• Check into Merindah and wander down for a relaxing swim in the heated indoor pool
• Dinner at Koukla and a casual walk around the town
• Back to Merindah for a relaxing evening by the fire, watching TV with a wine or coffee and a variety of goodies from your hamper
• Awkward Jeffrey for breakfast
• Visit The Convent Gallery – take in some history, buy a little something to remember your stay and enjoy a lovely morning tea in the café
• Light lunch at Harvest Cafe
• Unwind with a visit to the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Relax in the warm mineral water pool, followed by a signature massage.
• Back to Merindah, sit on the patio with a cool drink and a book or magazine and enjoy the peace and quiet.
• Farmers Arms for dinner and perhaps a stroll around town before retiring for the night in one of Merindah’s cosy beds (perhaps watching some TV in bed before lights out).
• Breakfast at Cliffy’s Emporium
• Spend the morning at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
• Picnic lunch by the Daylesford Lake, then take a stroll around the lake, hire a paddle boat for a little “cruise”
• Visit the Bookbarn and have afternoon tea
• Go home feeling relaxed and invigorated and planning your next visit to Daylesford and Courthouse Merindah.
