Daylesford is all a flutter, pleased to have Megan Gale and Shaun Hampson as new owners of accommodation hotspot, Dollywood Daylesford. We’re quite flattered that Megan has chosen to be a part of our community.

She is a global sensation, and at a young age, Megan jet-setted around the world and forged her career in Italy. We think that Megan, one of Italy’s favourite stars, and our patch, with its Swiss Italian history, is truly a match made in ‘paradiso’.

Why Daylesford Megan, what made you fall in love with the region?

Shaun and I began visiting Daylesford together as a couple back in 2012, in winter. We both fell in love with the area and found it both a wonderful place to escape to, relax and unwind. It also has this beautiful charm about it and a laidback feel that really appealed to us. Over time we have visited with our children, and both of our Mums, and created some lovely family memories. We had been looking for the right property, intending to have a holiday rental, as well as a personal retreat. Then the very place that we frequented and loved became available; so we saw it as a sign and jumped at the opportunity.

What kind of things do you like to do when you’re in the area?

On the one hand, we are creatures of habit so routinely we will go for strolls or run around the lake. Nature is all around, so, we try and seek new hikes, and the kids love that. In town, we love to visit The Amazing Mill Markets, lunch at Koukla and go shopping along Vincent Street. There are many wonderful day spas and wellness centres, and we love indulging in a massage. Besides this, we enjoy relaxing at the house, preparing food, having drinks on the deck in summer, or in front of the fire in winter.

If someone had a single weekend to pamper here, where would you suggest they go?

It depends what one considers pampering! For me, I would start the day with a walk around the lake, then breakfast at Larder. This would be followed by a massage (take your pick – there are so many amazing choices). Then take your time with lunch at Koukla or the new Virgin café at Hotel Bellinzona. Then maybe a lazy stroll and shop on Vincent Street, a quick shower and pre-dinner drinks at home. To truly enjoy the food and local produce, book dinner at Lake House or Sault.

And finally, where should they stay while here? We hear you’ve got the best place!

Call me biased, but you can’t really go past Dollywood Daylesford. Perfect for a romantic getaway, girls’ trip or couples’ retreat as it sleeps six. We’ve done our best to ensure the perfect stay, with designer interiors, luxe bedding and renowned artists adorn the walls. We have SONOS sound throughout, Nespresso machine and complimentary pods, as well as a welcome hamper from us to our guests. It’s a stone’s throw from Lake Daylesford, the Amazing Mill Markets, and a ten-minute walk into town. You’re going to be perfectly positioned to take in everything Daylesford has to offer.

dayget.com.au/dollywood

About the author

narenna
Narenna Bloomfield
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Narenna is a country girl at heart, growing up on a dairy farm north of Bendigo. Now living in Kyneton, (her husband’s hometown) she is a busy mum of three littlies. She loves gardening, baking, photography and getting out and about in the area. A favourite day in the region would be a weekly shop at a farmers’ market, meandering through an open garden and finishing with a dinner in one of the acclaimed restaurants along Piper Street, Kyneton.

Café Koukla Daylesford Hotel Bellinzona Lake House Larder Sault The Amazing Mill Market