Our Story


In 1998, Dave and Cherie, two artists with a vision, found their canvas: a wild 2.5-acre property in Daylesford. This land was the last connection for Dave's family to the Cornish immigrants who had come to Australia for the gold rush in the 1800s. It was a rough, untamed block covered in blackberry bushes and gorse, but they saw the dormant beauty within.
With immense determination, they set to work transforming the landscape. They chose a hillside with sweeping views of the Wombat State Forest for their home, designing a passive solar house built with mudbricks for natural heating. As they built their home, they also built a family, filling their lives with two children and a delightful menagerie of fowls, goats, peacocks, and more.
In 2006, an opportunity arose during the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. They purchased one of the competitor units, which they transformed into what is now Texada, an intimate cottage nestled within the plum orchard.
After years of pouring their hearts into the property, the family felt a longing to explore their Canadian heritage. Cherie, a native of Canada, wanted to share the wild landscapes and snowy slopes with their children. With this new adventure on the horizon, the Daylesford home was ready to be shared with others.
Inspired by their travels, they named the retreats Salt Spring, Saturna, and Texada after the serene islands off the coast of British Columbia where they had once sought refuge. Today, Sutton Spring Art & Spa Retreats is a place for others to find their own peace—a sanctuary to relax, recover, and bask in the artistry and beauty that took over a decade to create.

Daylesford
As one of Australia’s few spa towns, Daylesford is a notable tourist destination. With 65 mineral springs, the Daylesford-Hepburn Springs region accounts for more than 80% of Australia’s known mineral water springs. Sutton Spring Art & Spa Retreats takes its name from this feature Daylesford is renowned for; because of these mineral springs there are many spas in the area that offers a sense of healing in addition to the relaxing comfort you find with our accommodations.

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/
http://www.daylesforddelights.com/things-to-do.html
https://www.daylesfordhistory.com.au/

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) signposted with Lost Children's Walk.  Turn left at the bottom of the hill to go to the Lake or 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.