Our Story
In 1998 Dave and Cherie purchased 2.5 acres of land in Daylesford, the land that with patience and over more than a decade of work would become an oasis known as Sutton Spring Art & Spa Retreats. Dave being from Melbourne originally, this property was the last parcel that connected his family to the immigrants of Cornwall (the Suttons) who had come to Australia in the 1800’s to join the gold mining ventures. As two artists, this property was a canvas to them, truly a coarse, untamed block of earth; one that they had seen a great beauty that lie dormant within. A rough landscape entangled in thorn bushes and sprouting stacks of gorse, with no comforts of modern society yet beset in its soil. They had an arduous task ahead of them, but with a vision cemented alongside their determination, they set to work. First, Dave and Cherie needed to decide where to build the house. With picturesque views of the Wombat State Forest found on a hillside in among the 2.5 acres, they had found the foundation of their soon to be homestead. With the design in mind, a passive solar house; a house which relies on the sun for heating using its thermal mass of the mud brick construction. The artists built in stages, all while building a family along with it; two children, fowls, goats, cats, peacocks and a dog. As the years passed many of their menagerie had either passed of age or went on to new homes, with the exception of their children (of course). In 2006 Melbourne hosted the Commonwealth games, and with it Dave and Cherie had seen an opportunity. They purchased one of the units that housed the competitors of these games and created an addition to their property. The accommodation would become what is now Texada, an intimate cottage in the orchard. After years of work from the now family, their dedication had taken true form. Years spent in the wonder of Australia, and specifically the rejuvenating beauty and community of Daylesford; there was a longing to explore the other side of the coin, the family’s Canadian heritage. Cherie having being born and raised and even where she had first met Dave, the artist from Melbourne, they wanted to show their children what they have not yet seen in their young lives, the wilds of Canada. With the snowy slopes of the Canadian winter, being able to teach their children a passion for skiing and to be close to family scarcely seen over the years in Daylesford. With this move, the house on the hillside was ready to become the accommodations known as Salt Spring and Saturna. Salt Spring, Saturna, and Texada, names chosen from the memories Dave and Cherie shared traveling off the coast of British Columbia near Vancouver. Islands that scatter along the coastline, where they themselves had once sought refuge in their younger years. With their adventures looking east across the Pacific, the Sutton Spring Art & Spa Retreats was left open to share its beauty with those who wander into Daylesford. People who come to take in its healing waters, and its history. A place to relax and recover from life’s more stressful side and where someone can bask in the art and beauty two artist had spent over a decade to mold. |
Please call 0438 820 859 for more information or to book
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For more information on things to do in Daylesford and area please visit: https://visithepburnshire.com.au/ https://daylesfordcider.com.au/ https://www.passingclouds.com.au/ https://www.palais-hepburn.com/ http://www.daylesforddelights.com/things-to-do.html https://www.daylesfordhistory.com.au/ |
Daylesford..
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Natural Beauty & Local Attractions
We are blessed to live in an area rich in natural landscapes and history. There are many walking tracks near our property and beyond if you are looking for more of a challenge. The simplest and closest to our property is the walking track to Lake Daylesford. Turn right at the top of the driveway onto TableHill Road. Walk to the end of the road (about 1/2k) and continue straight down the hill, Forest View Lane (some of which is paved and some not). Turn left at the bottom of TableHill to go to the Lake of turn right, cross over the road to Tipperary Springs track. The Lake direction is highly recommended it'll take, depending upon how fast you walk, around 1/2 hour max. Turn left, and continue on walking. You will come upon the first of many mineral springs pump. This one is called Sutton Spring #1 named after the Sutton brothers who came out from Cornwall during the gold rush. Who we can claim as distant relatives. Remember to bring an empty water bottle to test the different mineral springs because they are all very different. The track will take you to the main mineral springs area - Central Springs and then it's a short walk up the little hill alongside the waterfall to the Lake precinct. The track around the Lake is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend. I personally walk around the Lake as much as possible (it's about 4k). You can then return by walking up the road (Fulcher St) located at the end of the Lake where you entered back to our property. The road entrance is next to the swimming platform. The Amazing Mill Market is only a short 2 minute walk from the property; where you can easily lose yourself in a treasure hunter's dream. For the antique hunters or fans of a great rummage, this is a must see while you are in Daylesford, and to those who simply enjoy window shopping, it is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. They have a wonderful onsite cafe with the most budget friendly meals around. Great healthy, fresh baked meals, scones and other treats. For more information please visit their facebook page or website. The Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens are an enchanting place to visit anytime of the day or year. The gardens are built on top of an extinct volcano known as Wombat Hill. Notable garden designers planned the garden using rare, unusual and beautiful plants for everyone to enjoy. 150 years later thousands of visitors every year are enjoying and admiring the stunning gardens. |
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