Shepherds Hill Cottage, 1890
Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
History
Shepherds Hill Cottage is a charming original miner’s cottage nestled on a working alpaca farm in Lauriston, a tiny historic hamlet in Victoria’s Goldfields region. Lauriston formed part of the Coliban gold diggings, where gold was discovered in 1851. Diggings extended along the Coliban River towards Malmsbury and Taradale for several decades, including during the period Shepherds Hill Cottage was built, around 1890.
Liz and Keith Robinson recently spent two years restoring the cottage, and were able to retain many of its original features, including all windows & doors, timber floorboards, high ceilings and rustic brick fireplace. The walls are also still lined with the original timber cladding, both internally & externally.
Along with hosting guests at Shepherds Hill Cottage, Liz and Keith have been passionate alpaca breeders for 25 years, running Buckland Alpaca Stud, which has won them many awards. In 2008, they also established Alpaca Passion in Daylesford’s main street, Australia’s largest alpaca clothing boutique. Guests staying at Shepherds Hill Cottage receive a lovely discount when shopping in store.
Accommodation
Turn the corner into the drive leading up to Shepherds Hill Cottage, and feel the busyness of day-to-day life dissipate. This picture-postcard cottage, with its picket fence and wisteria-covered verandah, will steal your heart the moment you arrive. A charming home away from home, stepping into the hallway is like a welcome embrace.
Sleeping up to four guests, with families and small children welcome, there are two bedrooms - the main with king bed, and the second a queen bedroom. Both are fitted with the softest alpaca quilts, pillows and throws, and electric blankets for the cooler months. Families are welcome to experience the cottage and farm surrounds, with a cot available. The bathroom features a modern deep soaking bath under a pretty leadlight window, with the original vanity and tap ware. Complimentary hair & body products are provided for your use.
Traditionally the heart of the home, the fully-equipped farmhouse kitchen has been designed in sympathy with the cottage’s interior, while offering modern amenities so you can easily whip up your favourite meals - with Belling range cooker, Bosch appliances, ceramic farmhouse sink, and Delonghi coffee machine. Breakfast is supplied for your first morning, including local sourdough & preserves, cereals, home-laid eggs, milk, butter and juice. Cooking essentials, teas, and Coffee Supreme beans are also provided.
Next to the kitchen, there’s a dedicated dining area, and sunroom with comfortable armchairs and views over the paddocks - a quiet spot for reading, or relaxing in the morning with your coffee. The lounge room features a Nectre wood burning heater installed in the original brick fireplace. Snuggle up under luxurious alpaca throws in front the fire with a glass of wine, watch a movie, or play a board game. A selection of books is also available for quiet afternoons spent in cosied up indoors.
Outside, you have five acres of your very own country gardens to explore, sitting next to the alpaca nursery paddock. Watch the alpacas play and graze, and during November to May it’s baby season, when you can meet adorable crias. The surrounding farmland is also home to kangaroos, rabbits, and abundant birdlife. Spend time here in nature, and you might even spot koalas, owls, echidnas, possums and bandicoots. Come and enjoy a restorative stay at Shepherds Hill Cottage and the tranquility of a secluded country escape, just over an hour from the city.
Special Features
Wood Fire
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Working Farm
Luxe Bedding
Things To Do
Shepherds Hill Cottage is perfectly located in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, just 10 minutes from Kyneton, 15 mins from Trentham, 20 mins from Daylesford, and 75 minutes from Mebourne - allowing you to experience both the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford regions during your stay,
Kyneton is home to beautiful heritage architecture and several renowned restaurants, including Midnight Starling, Spaghetti Bar, Miss M’s Lounge, Tansy’s, and Fook Shing. For great coffee and gourmet delights, head to Monsieur Pierre. And for antique hunters, there’s several vintage and antique stores in town.
Daylesford has long been a destination for city and country folk alike. Stroll around the lake, book in at a day spa or thermal springs, and browse boutique clothing, homewares & antique stores along Daylesford’s main street. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are a must visit, with stunning azalea displays during spring. There’s many cafes and restaurants to choose from, including Bistro Terroir and Beppi in Daylesford, The Surly Goat in Hepburn, and Annie Smithers’s du Fermier a little further afield in Trentham - book in advance.
Malmsbury is a gorgeous little village with lots of historic buildings to admire, and Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is a delight in all seasons. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch overlooking the heritage-listed viaduct, built between 1858 and 1861.
