Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have a charm all of their own: mineral springs, misty mornings, long lunches and a fire crackling at night. Guests head up from Melbourne for a cosy escape, and they arrive with a picture in their mind of exactly how the weekend should feel. Your job as an owner is to make your property match that picture, from the listing photos to the moment they drop their bags. Here's how we'd approach styling a Daylesford holiday home so it feels warm, works hard and books well all year round.
Start with the feeling guests are booking
Spa country getaways are all about slowing down. Before you buy a single cushion, think about the weekend your ideal guest is planning. Is it a couple's escape, a girls' weekend, or a family bringing the dog? Every styling decision should support that. A couple wants a deep bath, a beautiful bed and somewhere to sit with a glass of wine. A group wants a big table, plenty of seating and bedrooms that all feel equally good. (If you're just starting out, our guide on how to style an Airbnb guests will love covers the basics.)
Couples retreat with outdoor bath for 2
Lean into cosy, not cluttered
Country style can tip into kitsch very quickly. Swap themed signs and rustic knick-knacks for texture: linen, wool, timber, stone and leather. Layer throws on the sofa and at the end of each bed, add a chunky knit or two, and choose a warm, earthy palette that sits comfortably with the landscape outside. Keep surfaces fairly clear so guests have room for their own things, and so your photos look calm rather than busy.
Make the cooler months your selling point
Fireplaces attract bookings. Style and feature yours in your listing
In Daylesford, the chilly months are a big part of the appeal, so style for them. If you have a fireplace or wood heater, make it the hero of the room: arrange the seating around it and add a rug or sheepskin in front. Good heating, heavy curtains, quality doonas and extra blankets in every bedroom are non-negotiable. Little touches like a tea station, hot water bottles and a stack of board games turn a cold night into the best part of the stay.
Fireplace with local magazines
Don't forget the outdoor spaces
When the weather warms up, guests want to be outside. A deck with comfortable seating, an outdoor table set for long lunches, a firepit, or even a couple of chairs positioned to catch the view gives guests another "room" to enjoy, and gives you another hero shot for your listing. Choose weatherproof pieces and cushions that are easy to bring inside.
Provide additional amenities that suit your space.
Bathrooms and bedrooms do the heavy lifting
People come to spa country to be pampered, so your bathroom should feel like a little day spa. Think fluffy white towels, a bath mat that feels lovely underfoot, good-quality amenities and a candle or a plant. In the bedrooms, invest in the best mattress and linen you can afford, two pillows per person, bedside lamps on both sides and somewhere to put a suitcase. These are the details guests mention in their reviews.
Country style with a nod to the Arty vibe in Daylesford.
Style with your listing photos in mind
Your photos are your shop window, especially in a market with so many beautiful stays to choose from. Every room needs a clear focal point, plenty of natural light and a few carefully placed props: a bowl of local produce on the bench, a book and a throw on the armchair, a bottle of wine and two glasses by the fire. If you're not sure your photos are doing your property justice, our Styling for Photography service is designed for exactly that.
Give potential guests a feel for how they can enjoy the space
Practical styling that survives guest after guest
Beautiful only works if it lasts. Choose washable covers, rugs that hide a little wear, sturdy furniture and linen you can replace easily. Keep spares of everything that gets used up or broken, and give your cleaner a photo of how each room should look so the property is reset the same way every time.
Need a hand with your Daylesford property?
We're Sharon and Dee, The Holiday Home Girls, and we style holiday homes and Airbnbs across the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne,Daylesford and beyond. You may have spotted us as guest judges on The Block on Channel 9 in September 2026. Whether you're setting up a new property or refreshing one that's lost its sparkle, have a look at how we can work together or browse our FAQ. Want a head start? Grab our free 5 tips guide.
