82 Central Springs Road, Daylesford, also known as Dollywood, is lighting up the market.
Taking cues from the mecca of modernism, this vibrant home brings cool Californian style to Daylesford.
The property — known as Dollywood — is the short-term rental and holiday home of ex-AFL player Marcus Baldwin and his wife Eloise Fox.
The pair purchased the 1940s modernist property in 2016 after it had been renovated by a master builder and set out to transform it into a boutique holiday home inspired by their travels throughout California.
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The property is on the market with an $825,000 price tag.
The interiors are inspired by the couple’s travels throughout California.
The hip home hit the market this week and is already rumoured to be on the radar of a high-profile name in the fashion and entertainment industry.
The house and land at 82 Central Spring Road is on the market with a $825,000 price guide.
The buyers are able to negotiate the Dollywood brand and furnishings with the owners after the sale, if interested.
This could include funky neon signage, artworks from renowned artists, a record player, vintage bikes and other luxury inclusions that add to the success of the accommodation, which reaps in a very healthy income.
The house and land is being sold separately, with the chance to buy the Dollywood brand after the sale.
The boutique accommodation is booked 48 weeks of the year.
Baldwin was drafted to Hawthorn in 1997, made his debut late in the 2000 season for Geelong and later kitted up for Williamstown in the VFL.
He said they planned to buy a beach house in 2016, but instead stumbled upon the spa town.
“Besides the obvious of being a beautiful place with lots to do and close proximity to Melbourne, initially we did a lot of research into all the Victorian holiday locations and found Daylesford was one of the strongest holiday rental markets in Australia as it books all year round, winter and summer,” he said.
“Unlike a beach location that will only book out in summer — and when you want to use it.
“We also knew that a lot of the rental houses available in the area had a more traditional, country style vibe and we wanted to do something completely different from a styling point of view.”
Baldwin made his AFL debut for Geelong in 2000.
Marcus and Eloise with their daughter Dolly, who the property is named after, in 2015. Picture: David Crosling
Baldwin said the home’s name wasn’t inspired by glammed-up singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, instead named after the pair’s daughter, Dolly, and their visit to Hollywood.
“It has been on the holiday rental market for four years and it has just been crazy, we have bookings 48 weeks out of 52,” he said.
“We are looking to do another project.
“The initial plan was (to own Dollywood for) five years, but with COVID-19, the country (property market) has gone crazy as everyone wants to buy up there, so we felt it was the best time to sell.”
The couple are selling to move onto a new project.
Ms Fox designed the interiors to bring a touch of California to the “little town of Daylesford”.
“I wanted the interiors to speak to the architecture of the house but also provide functionality for guests staying so they could completely unwind and enjoy the space,” she said.
“I sourced furnishings from premium Australian companies such as Pop and Scott, Halcyon Lake, Dowel Jones, Jardan and many more.
“As well as having the backdrop of Daylesford’s beautiful surroundings, we wanted the interior of Dollywood to be as visually stimulating as its views. Dollywood’s walls are filled with pieces of art from artists such as Dina Broadhurst, Stephen Baker, Spencer Shakespeare amongst numerous others.”
A midweek two-night stay at Dollywood starts from $675.
Belle Property Daylesford agent Nathan Skewes said there had been a mix of interest from those looking to use it as a short-term accommodation investment property, and others wanting to buy it as a permanent home.
“A lot of Melbourne purchasers are looking to make the move to the country as they can now work from home and just go into the city a few days a week,” he said.
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