Our Front Desk Team
Patrick & Anne Baird
As owners of Daylesford Accommodation ... escapes Patrick and Anne first came to Daylesford more than 17 years ago and fell in love with Daylesford and surrounds.
Both of them gave up their corporate roles in Melbourne and have owned the business now for more than 8 years. They are passionate about the area and love the lifestyle of Daylesford. To them their accommodation business is about helping people to enjoy the location as much as they do. Like many here in Daylesford they feel truly spoilt, enjoying the best of both worlds – the rural retreat with all the sophistication of restaurants, retail, well being options and all just a short 90 minute drive from Melbourne.
Patrick and Anne enjoy travel as well and so know what they expect with accommodation standards and quality. Understanding the needs of our visitors underpins everything they do.
Finally if smiling and laughing are prerequisites for anything, then the Baird’s share well honed senses of humour. Daylesford Accommodation... escapes is friendly and person al and visitors to the Daylesford region are welcomed as friends.
Martin Peacock
Martin is not unlike Patrick and Anne, having owned a weekender in the area he finally made the “tree change” and moved here permanently. He too was bitten by the lifestyle we all enjoy here in Daylesford and district and shares the passion for it.
When you talk to Martin, the smiling voice on the phone, you will also find he is passionate about people. His career paths have included education where he was a Primary School teacher, followed by running a small café in Melbourne.
Martin has renovated an 1860’s farmhouse just out of Daylesford and blends this rural setting with the hip and fun of Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and area, with all its diverse offerings.
A member of the local Volley Ball team Martin also abounds with energy. Let Martin help you with all the information you’ll need to make the most of your visit to the Spa Country.
Kerry McMullen
Kerry is another convert to our Aussie shores. Kerry hails from the UK where she worked in sales. She also spent much time working with her father in his building company. The travel bug took hold and Kerry found herself setting off for the great overseas adventure. Kerry loves the thrill of discovering a new country, embracing the diverse and exciting cultural differences of different countries, making new friends and experiencing amazing adventures that she used to only dream about. A few years ago, Kerry was fortunate enough to enjoy her 21st birthday whilst on safari in Africa! Kerry arrived in Australia 3 years ago as part of her round the world trip and, whilst working in Melbourne, fell in love with both our great city and a young Aussie bloke. Kerry and her partner recently bought a house just outside of Daylesford and are together enjoying the country lifestyle.
Han Wee Tan
Han comes from cosmopolitan and exotic Singapore where he was a Sports Science lecturer. He was also a business owner providing new media opportunities for the vibrant nightlife industry in Singapore. Arriving in Daylesford, almost two years ago, he was mesmerised by the beauty, tranquillity and charm of our township. Han's take on Daylesford is that in its own way, like Singapore, it's culturally diverse and rich, offering an amazing range of experiences from the traditional to modern and alternative. He feels he is learning and gaining so much from this place and loving it more every day. With his keen appreciation of Daylesford and the Spa Country and his own travelling he is well placed to guide you for your visit here, identifying ideal accommodation and all the other things that you can enjoy. He can't wait to share all this with you, as part of the team at Daylesford Accommodation... escapes.
Kristy Ralph
Kristy grew up just outside Daylesford and has been visiting the area for years. Looking for a new challenge, Kristy joined the team at Daylesford Accommodation Escapes. Kristy has a background in customer service and holds a qualification from the beauty industry. Kristy loves a good dose of retail therapy, especially if it involves her partner buying her new shoes! If she’s going out to dinner, Kristy is sure to order spaghetti and she tells us she makes a great raspberry sorbet. Kristy is more than confident in helping you with all your spa treatments and making your stay with Daylesford Accommodation Escapes as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
Chip Elliott
Chip is a California native. Although he misses home, Chip was bitten by the bug early and has travelled extensively throughout the United States, South East Asia and Europe. Chip holds a BFA in photography and has studied painting in Rome, studied arts and culture on a scholarship in Bali, and worked as a photographer’s assistant, photo editor and freelance photographer. One of Chip’s first experiences travelling in Asia was being amazed by the fortitude of a group of orphaned ashram children whom he has now been friends with for fifteen years. Chip has worked with disadvantaged children ever since. He has taught a youth photography program in East Timor and returns when he can to teach this in Nepal. Chip has hitch hiked through India, bicycled from Lhasa Tibet to Kathmandu, and worked as a gardener in New York City, trail guide in Thailand and a bicycle tour guide in Barcelona. He is an avid painter and graphic designer and has his own business designing hand-woven all natural rugs made in Nepal. Chip and his Aussie wife bought a house in Daylesford and love the country atmosphere, discovering the region and meeting and making new friends.
