Stay at Dollywood, the Daylesford Airbnb owned by Megan Gale and Shaun Hampson

Perhaps the prettiest town in Victoria, Daylesford’s charming lake, spa baths and foodie haunts attract a passionate crowd. For regular visitor Megan Gale, it’s one of her favourite places.

On any given weekend, you might see the model-turned-TV host with her partner, retired Carlton footy player Shaun Hampson, and their two children strolling into town for coffee and pastries.

Last September, they bought their favourite weekender, Dollywood, from friends – another former footballer Marcus Baldwin and his wife Eloise Fox. In April, after shining it up a little, Hampson and Gale decided to share their holiday retreat by listing it on Airbnb.

Think retro cool with a dash of vintage Hollywood, then add a hint of Palm Springs and you’ve got Dollywood, a renovated modernist 1940s bungalow with attitude.

Known for its neon pink sign at the front, the weatherboard house can sleep up to six people.

“Daylesford, for Shaun and myself, has always been a really special place,” Gale says.

The couple used to go there before they had kids and now they visit with River, 7, and Rosie, 4. In 2018, they discovered Dollywood. “We thought it was so sweet; it had great charm and the kids loved it.”

They were searching for their own place when Dollywood came on the market in September last year, through Belle Property agent Nathan Skewes, and they grabbed it.

Staying at Dollywood is a fun and relaxing experience, and includes a curated soundtrack of Hollywood classics and a hamper filled with local goodies.

The bungalow has been subtly renovated. A curved timber wall divides the living area from the bedrooms. A wood heater complements the heating system to combat what can be cold days in the spa town. Floor-to-ceiling windows link to the verandah.

The retro splashes – a neon sign (a nod to Dolly Parton), a pink guitar, and a cactus print – add quirky touches. A love seat has recently been re-covered in gold fabric.

“I wanted some warm mustard, navy and pink tones coming through the house, so I injected that here and there,” Gale says.

Most of the artwork is new, chosen by Gale. There’s a painting by Michael Bond in the lounge, another by Jen Sievers in the hallway and a print of Slim Aarons’ iconic Poolside Glamour. Outside are three wall-hangings by Maurice Golotta of MSG Gallery.

The main bedroom opens to the rear deck and the three other bedrooms are creative spaces – think floral wallpaper, a gold phone, and Shaun’s handmade blue guitar.

The outdoor spaces are special – little nooks here and there for friends to gather or spots to curl up with a book. The kitchen window opens to create a bar for the verandah – the perfect Instagram spot.

Gale hosts Channel 9’s Australia’s Best House (season two aired this year on 9Life), works with online platform Nourished Life and helps Hampson at his Moonee Pond’s cafe and restaurant, Ascot Food & Wine.

“The rest of time I’ve got dedicated to my kids,” she says. “While they don’t find me an embarrassment, I really and truly want to make the most out of these precious years.”

While in Daylesford …

Stepping out

The pretty 2.8-kilometre loop around Lake Daylesford – the Peace Mile Walk – is an easy stroll for all the family, says Dollywood’s owner Megan Gale. Originally the site of gold diggings and then a Chinese market garden, the lake was created in 1927.

Wake up call

Gale’s favourite stop for morning coffee is Koukla cafe, part of the vine-covered Hotel Frangoes. In winter, the fire’s going and in summer head to the courtyard.

Cool cuisine

No wonder Daylesford is a top getaway for foodies. With Good Food Guide stars such as Sault (just out of town) or the much-lauded Lake House, there are plenty of places to celebrate.