Last week on Facebook, I stated that I was the luckiest girl in the world to be invited to spend a weekend at Dayesford with a group of fabulous bloggers, enjoying the delights of the district and great company.

It wasn’t until I arrived that I realized I was perhaps the luckiest girl in the Universe. I don’t think I have ever been so spoilt. Champagne and cake to start (don’t mind if I do), a stroll through some gorgeous gardens and a little history on the side? What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

But perhaps I am getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s start with the drive to Daylesford, what I thought would be a blissful 90 minutes in the car with the air conditioner on and the stereo up loud.

WIth Marianne from Esme and the Laneway (pic taken by Iolanthe!)

I’ve never pretended to be good with maps, but Apple maps in particular make this task even more difficult for those of us who are geographically challenged (or, generally, women). For whatever reason (no, I don’t know how), I confused the Western Freeway with the Western Ring Road and ended up three quarters of the way to Greensbrough – not the general direction I was headed. My plans for a pit stop in Woodend were sidelined in favour of arriving on time. Lesson learnt – check the Melways before leaving home.

Once I arrived at Villa Parma, a stunning estate that houses the Peppers Mineral Springs and Retreat, the Argus Restaurant and accommodation, I joined fellow bloggers Sarah of Style Melbourne, Leeyong of Style Wilderness, Iolanthe of Ruby Slipper and Marianne of Esme and the Laneway for a decadent high tea in the gardens.

We started with champagne and ended with earl grey tea whilst enjoying finger sandwiches, scones and assorted cakes. And the best bit? Chef David Willcocks went all out and created gluten free specialties just for me! The scones were to DIE for.

As guests of Spa Country for the weekend, we were joined at High Tea by Chris Malden and Wayne Cross, the owners, who took us on a journey though how they came to be in Daylesford, their dreams and passions and, amusingly, how they knew friends of mine!

With Wayne and Chris in the gardens of Villa Parma

We walked through the gorgeous gardens, spotted a lovely place to get married and snuck a peek in the Cellar, a beautiful function space for a birthday, wedding or just cause you want to have a party (it would be worth it!).

Feeling rather full after eating everything that was put in front of me, we looked forward to returning on the Sunday to try the Mineral Springs and Argus Restaurant.