Much of The Retreat’s
furniture, including this
dining table and chairs,
came from Coco Republic,
cocorepublic.com.au
OPPOSITE The kitchen
garden yields fresh
produce but most of the
restaurant’s supplies are
sourced from local farms.
D
aylesford’s Lake House in
country Victoria has long
been a favourite weekend
getaway for me. It reminds me
of childhood holidays in Europe, with its
pristine lakeside setting, scented gardens
and ‘restaurant with rooms’ approach
to hospitality. Run by renowned chef
Alla Wolf-Tasker and her daughter
Larissa, with artist husband/father
Allan never far away, the hotel has the
relaxed, restorative atmosphere that only
transpires when your hosts are as hardworking and dedicated as this family is.
It’s a bit like watching the ducks on the
water outside – serene on the surface
with non-stop activity below. Alla and
Larissa are consummate hosts, knowing
only too well that a couple of days here
is an indulgent break for their often
frazzled guests (many of whom work in
hospitality and recognise a professionally
run joint when they see it!). Our pictures
show The Retreat, the latest addition to
the accommodation available at Lake
House, and the ultimate escape for
those lucky enough to visit this lovely
property. lakehouse.com.au.