This was published 12 years ago
Monastiraki Guest House, Daylesford review: Divine inspiration
Art, class ... the guest house is a tribute to Tina Banitska's art collection.
Sue Wallace is captivated by intriguing artwork during a stay at the "little monastery".
There's a nude woman staring at me as I peek out from the continental quilt while tucked up in my bedroom at the new Monastiraki Guest House in Daylesford. The dark-haired beauty surrounded by an urn spilling red geraniums is young and lean, and I make a secret pact to return to the gym sooner rather than later.
The more I look at the striking portrait by Melbourne-based artist Yolanda Pilepich, the more details I discover.
Since I stepped through the front door of this enchanting 1920s-style Federation house, once owned by a local pharmacist, I've been captivated by the artwork and objets d'art.
Monastiraki - Greek for little monastery - is the latest venture of Tina Banitska of Daylesford's The Convent, who took over a neglected convent 20 years ago and turned it into an impressive art gallery, cafe, bar, nun museum and function centre.
This four-bedroom house, a block from The Convent, is a tribute to her talent. It's home to some of her treasured bits and pieces, collected over the years. It also displays the challenging work of artists she's exhibited at The Convent.
However, it's how these pieces all come together that makes this house so special. It's a riot of colour, texture and imagination in a spacious getaway, perfect for several couples.
From the outside the house looks like a well-cared-for, "nothing out of the ordinary" place but open the front door and the wow factor kicks in.
Vintage and modern collectables marry well, mismatched cushions look chic and Moroccan rugs cover the stripped-back floorboards.
The hallway, complete with a black ceiling, statement light and a stone angel sculpture leads to two bedrooms: the vibrant, red-walled Shanghai room and the Moulin Rouge room, which is home of the dark-haired nude. An air of decadence is created by simple decorating tricks, such as a feathered lamp inside a birdcage, and cushions galore.
The Cirque du Soleil lime-green room has two single beds with zebra-stripe covers, a metal flower chandelier and a stunning clown painting by Vlado Kadnar with the quote: "We are all clowns, even me." The fourth bedroom also has artworks.
It doesn't take long to feel at home and we take up residence in the cosy lounge, where another nude by Pilepich takes pride of place, as well as an art deco sculpture by Peter Andrianakis. A corrugated-iron angel creation by Ray Hearn seems to hover above the dining table.
Three handmade ceramic body casts hang in the hallway and command attention as you pass.
Before venturing out, we open a bottle of Good Catholic Girl red and nibble on fresh olives and Holy Goat cheese, then walk down to Frangos and Frangos, where we enjoy a dinner featuring local produce. The hill is steeper on the way home and we fall into bed.
The next morning, we make breakfast and go out to the charming courtyard, complete with striped cushions, red geraniums, scented lavender, olive bushes and magnolia trees.
It's only fitting in this spa capital to experience a decadent treatment and I head to Daylesford Day Spa, where for 2½ hours I am immersed in a chocolate indulgence with a chocolate champagne body wrap, a massage and a chocolate facial. After being buffed and polished, I feel totally indulged and a little smug that I've had a chocolate fix - without the kilojoules.
We get fresh produce at the market for dinner at home at Monastiraki and enjoy a night in, watching candlelight cast shadows on the artwork.
VISITORS' BOOK
Monastiraki Guest House
Address 27 Camp Street, Daylesford.
Bookings Phone 5255 4433; see monastiraki.com.au.
How much $820 for one night midweek to $1870 weekend stay — four bedrooms, two bathrooms — price includes a welcome hamper and breakfast goodies.
Summary A haven of artistic glamour and decadence.
Getting there Daylesford is 110 kilometres from Melbourne. Take either the Calder or Western freeway.
Verdict 18
The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable.
All weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
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