Holyrood House Bed & Breakfast, 51 Stanbridge Street, 3460 Daylesford, Victoria, Australia

 Phone: +61 3 53484818
 Innkeeper: Andrew Brownell and Teck Yong
 Website: http://www.holyrood-house.com.au
 Rates per room start from: 155 AUD

 Breakfast type: continental or fully cooked three-course breakfast
 Breakfast is served: in the dining room or in the suite
 Check-in from: 13:00, check-out by: 11:00

Holyrood House Bed & Breakfast in Daylesford offers pure comfort and relaxation in a beautifully restored country residence with a delightful historic garden. Located in the heart of Australia's Spa and alternate lifestyle capitol, this charming B&B offers bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation in four fully furnished suites with classic design. Every suite has a king or queen-size bed, hydronic heating, en-suite deluxe bathroom, TV, DVD, kitchenette, tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is stunning - guests may choose from a generous continental or fully cooked three-course breakfast as a perfect start of an exciting day in Daylesford.

General amenities

 common dining room

 summer garden

 summer terrace/patio

 veranda/porch

 meeting/events facilities

 billiards

 guests' lounge

 living room

 pets are not admitted

 entirely non-smoking

 smoking is allowed only outside

 not suitable for children

 not suitable for physically challenged guests

 ironing services

 parking on the street

 historic building

 located in the center

 quiet surroundings

Room amenities

 Wi-Fi internet

 heating

 en-suite bathroom

 hairdryer

 bath robes

Nearby amenities/activities

 walking

 photography

 historic sites

 cultural events

 museums/galleries

 wine tasting

 fine dining

 shopping

 spa and wellness

 sports center

Payment types

 Cash

 Cheques

 Master Card

 VISA

Location map

An interview with the innkeeper(s) of Holyrood House Bed & Breakfast (18th of January 2010)

Andrew Brownell and Teck Yong

10 years

The house was built as the residence for the local Town Clerk, a Scot named Donald McLeod and his family, in 1864. He also operated the crushing mill, 'The Battery', where the rock from the Mines was crushed to extract the gold. As a result of this operation he made a fortune and enlarged the house in 1905. This included the addition of a number of bedrooms, verandahs around the majority of the house and the enlargement of the main formal Sitting Room. In 1916 he was elected as the local Member of Parliament and moved to Melbourne where he built a terrace of five houses on the waterfront near to the city centre, these still stand today. The property was then sold to another Scot, Mrs Emily Wilson, who operated the property as a Guest House for 11 years until her death in 1927. It was very well known and had the reputation of being the best Guest House in Daylesford. The nightly rate in 1923 was £3/3/0, three guineas, per room, very expensive by the rates of the time. It boasted the first electric light in the town, had a Billiard Room, Dining Room, Garage, Hot & Cold Running Water(!) and many other 'modern conveniences'. She had a full time staff of five girls, three of whom ' lived in' to attend to the needs of the guests. Following Mrs Wilson's death in 1927 Mrs Lochart purchased the property and the business continued until 1950 when she died at which time it returned to being a large private residence. There were a number of owners between that time and when we purchased from the local Doctor in 1999. It took a couple of months of significant renovations and decorating before we opened in March of 2000. Since that time we have gradually renovated further portions of the house including the original 1916 staff quarters which are now our self-contained 'Apsley Suite'. We now operate with three Bed & Breakfast suites and one self-contained suite, all of which have their own facilities and two have spas in their bathrooms.

The house sits in nearly an acre of historic gardens, parts of which date back to the original owner who, as the Town Clerk, acquired a number of rare specimens which came from the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. There are Camelias that are higher than the house and are probably more than 150 years old. The Fruit trees in the back garden are also some of the original planting and we still use the annual harvest as preserved fruit to serve for breakfast . We grow the majority of the produce we use for jam, preserved fruit and vegetables. The location of the property is very close to the centre of the town and this means that guests do not need to drive to restaurants in the main street or the lake as both are in walking distance. If they are attending a function or having dinner at one of the restaurants further away we offer the service of driving them to the location in either our 1951 Bentley or 1981 Mercedes Benz. When we came to Daylesford there were quite a number of B&Bs in the traditional sense but during the ten years they have reduced significantly and now there are only a few who actually serve guests and where the owners are resident. The majority have turned to self-contained accommodation. We, however, still are here to welcome guests, make a cup of tea/coffee on arrival, serve complimentary drinks each evening and cook and serve their breakfast, make their beds etc. We try to create the feeling of being a guest at a Country House-Party of old where there is contact between the guests as they all meet for drinks and sit together for breakfast. This is particularly attractive for the overseas visitors to Australia, of whom we have many, as it gives them the opportunity of meeting and making friends with some locals. We often have return visits from guests who then bring or recommend their friends to come and stay.

The majority of our guests are impressed by the fact that they are welcomed to the house as 'friends' and are included in the overall atmosphere of the house party. Our breakfasts are well known and generally rate a mention in the guests comments in our guests book. We suggest that it is a 'house of indulgence' and we like to make the stay of our guests as memorable as we can. I guess that the fact that so many come back for more gives the answer that they have enjoyed themselves.

As mentioned our property started as a four roomed residence then was 'wrapped' with Edwardian additions in 1905. The result is that it has a number of 'public' rooms. The Guest Lounge has an 1869 Erard Concert Grand Piano as well as more modern items such as Television, Video and DVD facilities, music and a good quality system to play CD's, of which we have a very large selection, LPs, again an interesting collection of some quite historic recordings and also tapes.This room, as with the whole of the house, is centrally heated with an hydronic system but it also has a wood fire which we light when the weather become cold which it does for quite a significant part of the year. The main Sitting Room is where we serve evening drinks in front of the open fire. It is a large room and also has the Dining Table at which we serve a full three course cooked breakfast. This starts with Muesli, home preserved fruit from the garden, cooked English Breakfast of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach or some green vegetable followed by toast and home made jams, tea and coffee. This room can also be used for special dinners for 6-8 guests by arrangement as we often have the house booked for a celebration such as a significant birthday, a wedding anniversary or similar occasion. We have also had cocktail parties in this room and it will house around 20 persons for such an event. The house has large verandahs on both the East, South and West sides giving the opportunity for guests to sit and relax with a cup of tea and a book or take evening drinks. When the weather is very warm we often serve breakfast on the western deck which opens from the Sitting Room. The gardens are available for guests to walk around or sit and relax. Being fully licensed we are able to serve drinks to them anywhere on the property and they do enjoy taking a chair or sitting on the lawn to relax. There is also the original Billiard Room where we can serve a full sit down dinner for up to 20 persons by special arrangement. This was the restaurant when we operated it until about five years ago when an accident prevented me from continuing as the waiter/matre de. We now operate it with the assistance of staff and need notice to organize an event such as this.

We have three bed & breakfast suites, two are queen sized bedrooms with bathroom ensuite and the third is our spa suite which can be made up as either a twin bed arrangement or a king bed and has the exclusive use of the original marble bathroom.

McLeod Suite: The original Parlor of the 1864 residence,Twin/King bed, electric blankets, hydronic heating, bathrobes, spa bathroom not ensuite, windows overlooking the front gardens of the house. Wilson Suite: The original Master Bedroom of the 1864 residence, Queen bedroom with bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, hydronic heating, windows overlooking the gardens on the Eastern and Southern sides of the house. Lochart Suite: Original second bedroom of the 1864 residence, Queen bedroom with bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, hydronic heating, window overlooking the Eastern gardens. All three rooms are accessed from a central passage which leads to the Sitting Room, Guest Lounge and Guest Entrance. They are decorated in an appropriate manner for the age of the house but not 'fussy victoriana'. Generally the rooms have a quality feeling of a large country house in the early part of last century. Apsley Suite: Original Staff Quarters for the 1916 guest house. This is a self contained suite as described in the previous section.

The two suites with bathroom ensuite have one section in which there is a shower/small bath and another section in which there is the WC and basin. Both have continuous extract systems which come on with the light switch, We supply Bath Sheets, bathmat, hand towels and face towel for each guest as well as good quality bath soaps etc. We have hair driers available by request. Similarly there are steam ironing facilities available and we normally offer the service of pressing anything that the guests require. The spa suite has a large bathroom in which there is a spa bath with shower over, wc and basin, extract fan and hydronic heating. Similar facilities are available in the self-contained suite with the addition of a reverse cycle air-conditioning unit in the Sitting Room. As we are at an elevation of approximately 1000 metres we rarely have weather that requires air-conditioning for cooling. The house with its high ceilings and extensive shade from the trees in the garden does not get hot and as it is of timber construction when the sun goes down and the windows are opened it cools down very quickly. Heating is another story as we often have very cold spells with snow most years and many frosts in the winter. The hydronic heating is in each room and is augmented by five fires that we light during those cold spells keeping the house very cosy. The fires are as much for aesthetic effect as they are for heating as they give an ambiance that is not possible from any other form of heating. Being full time residents in the house we are here to make tea/coffee and serve drinks or attend to any other matter the guests require. After we have retired for the night, there is a breakfast kitchen in which guests can keep drinks etc and make their own tea/coffee at any time we are not available. The sideboard in the Guests Lounge and also in the Apsley Suite has a tray with decanters of Port. Sherry etc and glasses where guests are welcome to help themselves to a night cap.

Each of the rooms has a different character and the matter of personal favorite would be dependent upon the circumstances of the use. The Lochart Suite has a lovely outlook and has the advantage, as far as I am concerned, of getting the morning sun through the window. If you want to sleep in then the McLeod Suite which has windows facing south is the best. The Apsley Suite being a self contained suite offers something that the others do not, a feeling of your own little world. They each have 'good feelings' and in the ten years we have not had any adverse comments about the atmosphere in the house, there are no GHOSTS!

The room rates are totally inclusive. The B&B rooms have the evening drinks, nibbles etc and the breakfast included. The Apsley Suite has a bottle of 'Champagne' in the refrigerator and all of the makings for a substantial continental breakfast including muesli, fruit, yogurt, home made jams and fresh bread for toasting, tea, coffee and a decanter of port on the sideboard. The only addition is if the guests require a cooked section for the breakfast which is available by arrangement the night before and for which we charge $15/person/morning and we deliver it to the suite at an agreed time. All suites have access to wireless internet and the guests have access to TV/DVD players and other facilities. By law we are required to have public indemnity insurance and also the GST is included in the tariff.

No we do not offer any special packages. We generally offer a discount to returning guests.

See previous section.

See previous section.

We often have requests for die try requirements and generally, providing we have prior notice, we cater for those requirements such as Lactose Intolerance, Vegetarian/vegan, Gluten Intolerance, etc. If there are specific items that are required for a diet we ask that the guests bring those and we will serve them as directed.

As noted previously we serve complimentary drinks, generally a glass of wine or a beer each evening. We are also fully licensed and keep a range of spirits and mixes which are available at a charge. We do not normally serve any additional meals but by arrangement we can cater for special dinners or functions providing they are arranged in advance. When we have had long stay guests, a week or more, we often include them with us to the evening and midday meal but this is not normal.

No there are no cooking facilities. The Apsley Suite has a microwave oven, a toaster and a kettle and the other suites have access to the breakfast kitchen after hours to make tea/coffee.

No, many of our guests are parents trying to have a break from the children and the house is not designed for children.

No we do not accept pets.

This is a no smoking house. Guests may smoke in the garden or on the verandahs.

There is street parking immediately outside our front fence. Unfortunately due to the steepness of our land we are unable to have on site parking.

Due to the steps and steepness of the land our property is not suitable for disabled/wheelchair dependent guests.

The whole house is fitted with smoke detectors as required by law.

Check-in is usually 13:00hrs or later and check-out is normally after breakfast at around 11:00hrs. Late check-ins should be notified prior to arrival. We normally ask for an estimated time of arrival to ensure that someone is home to meet and greet the guests.

Usually weekends are two night minimum and long weekends are sometimes three night but we do accept single night booking for weekend nights two weeks prior if not otherwise booked. Midweek single bookings are available Monday-Thursday.

Best idea is to send an email message or call the house to check on a date. To confirm a reservation we require a credit card reference, including the date of expiry of the card but we do not take Amex/Diners. We simply hold that information as security for the booking and the guests is then able to settle the amount on arrival.

We require cancellation notification at least 7 days prior to the booking or the total amount of the booking will be debited from the credit card unless we are able to book another guest in place.

We accept cash, Mastercard and VISA and also Eftpos and personal cheques providing we have name and address of the guest, travellers cheques etc.

No particular dress code other than normal casual clothing.

This is the 'Mineral Spa Capital of Australia' and has been a popular spot for many years, well over 100. The Visitor is certainly well catered for with many spa, massage, treatments facilities. The new Bathouse at Hepburn Springs has been well received and has won a number of awards for the architecture as well as the facilities it offers.There are wonderful walks in the vicinity, wineries, local produce, a total of over 40 restaurants in the town of many varying levels and qualities but generally good. The town has a number of historic buildings, art galleries and other places of interest. The local Tourist Information website at www.visitdaylesford.com gives a broad and interesting review of the many attractions in this area and should be the number one place to visit after the guests has settled into their accommodation.

We are in the centre of the town, one street back from the main street, well sign posted and also well known to the locals. The directions from Melbourne, approximately 110km away and also the directions from Tullamarine Airport, approximately 100km away, are clearly described on out website together with a map of our location in Town.

The main point of difference in staying at a B&B is the interrelationship that develops between the guests. We promote that aspect of the guests stay as we see it as the most important part of our role. People must enjoy other people to enjoy staying at a B&B as also the operators must be people-people, if you are not then you are in the wrong business. In our case we both enjoy having people coming to stay as it inevitable turns into a bit of a house party!

We have had many guests over the ten years of operation and to date we have had only three with whom we have had any difficulty and each of those would have tried the patience of a saint! In most cases we find a common thread somewhere in the guests to which we can relate, be it travel (I have spent my life travelling in Asia and around the world), food (Teck is a qualified Chef and Malaysian Chinese by birth), cars (I have always had an abiding interest in old cars), books, music, architecture (I am an Architect) and life in general. People are fascinating and it is always a great pleasure to find out about what they do, where they come from or have been and all of the other things that make life worth living.

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