Lavandula - Swiss Italian Farm
Lavandula has been called a little taste of Europe. We visited during our stay at the Novotel Forest Resort in Creswick.
The farm is 10 minutes north of Daylesford and is truly unique. You enter through a rustic barn [seen above] constructed by Swiss-Italians who stayed after the gold rushes. The entrance price is very reasonable [only $3.50 for adults | $1 for school-aged children] and you could easily spend a good half to full day there depending on how relaxed you want to end up. If you like country/cottage gardens, animals, eating and relaxing you will love Lavandula.
LA TRATTORIA CAFE
You can eat outdoors under the ash trees, in the stone loggia, in the snug timber room or under the verandah as we did. The style is based on the grotto of Ticino (in southern Switzerland, a simple local café serving a platter of local food and wine in boccalino). We enjoyed some Lavender scones and tea, while the children dipped their homemade bread in vinegar, salt and olive oil. They also offer a simple platter, soup, or a full meal. The meats and roast vegetables are cooked in the traditional wood oven [above].
There is plenty to do. Explore the gardens, lavender fields, farmyard, the olive & chestnut groves, the vineyard or play a game of bocce. The kids can wander around the farm and inspect the donkeys, emus, chickens, pigs and geese.
We spent a few hours just soaking up the atmosphere, meandering around the grounds enjoying the fragrant air, the bird song and the grass beneath our feet. The Lavandula website describes the experience this way…..”It looks beautiful, it’s Italian, it lifts the heart.” We agree! Lavandula is a breath of fresh air that is good for the soul.
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