Pietro’s Residence at The Old Macaroni Factory, 1859
History
A rare example of Northern Italian architecture, the Old Macaroni Factory is home to one of the largest and most intact domestic, secular murals in Australia. Built by Pietro Lucini in 1859 with his brother Giacomo, also the mural artist, it holds the story of a migrant family’s determination to prosper during Victoria’s gold rush era. Exquisitely beautiful ceiling and wall murals depict both their sentimentality for the Old World, and political causes they supported in their homeland.
Political exiles from the Kingdom of Italy in the 1850’s, the Lucini brothers left a land of peasantry and suppression, yet found opportunity in Australia to make their fortune, producing and selling pasta, salami and olive oil to miners. Their award-winning pasta making business won at Melbourne’s Great Exhibition in 1880. Also in the 1880s, the brothers founded the Hepburn Democratic Club in Pietro’s Residence, discussing politics and raising funds for widows & orphans of dead patriots in Italy.
A macaroni factory and family home until the 1930s, over the years it also operated as the Roma Hotel, caravan park & holiday flats, and Lucini Pasta Restaurant. In 1978, it was registered by the Historic Buildings Council of Victoria and the National Trust.
Passionate about the building’s beauty and history, current custodians and hosts Jenni Draper & Jennie Wilmoth share a vision to establish the Old Macaroni Factory as an iconic landmark in Hepburn Springs.
Pietro’s Residence Accommodation
2 Guests — 1 Bedroom — 1 Bathroom
An evocative, inspirational escape like no other, Pietro’s Residence is an immersive experience into a world of Italian history, art and politics. Originally Pietro Lucini’s private quarters in the northern annex of the Old Macaroni Factory, Pietro’s Residence sleeps 2 adults, perfect for solo travellers or couples seeking a private, romantic country getaway.
The bedroom features ceiling murals that depict symbolisms of the Risorgimento, the unification of Italy, including a nod to sympathiser Giuseppe Verdi, surrounded by the European flags of the time. Detailed wall murals signify the chains of suppression of the peasants under the rule of the Catholic Church, and the monarchs of various kingdoms at the time.
The queen bed is dressed with Cultiver pure linens, and black out curtains ensure a blissful night’s sleep. A cleverly designed bathroom pod on a raised platform features glazed duck-egg blue Moroccan tiles, spacious walk-in rainwater shower, Loom towels and Leif bath & body products.
In the living and dining room, ceilings are adorned with mural vignettes that depict memories of Pietro & Giacomo’s home in Intra on Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy. Relax by the cosy gas fire with a good book, or stream your favourite shows on the Smart TV.
A sun lit, custom-designed kitchenette with dining setting has fresh coffee beans, tea, and Italian beverages and treats, and follow the stone steps out to your private terrace for breakfast. In the warmer months, it’s the ideal spot for long lunches al fresco with grazing plates and local wine.
Set within One Acre of Heritage Gardens
Guests are invited to spend time relaxing in the Old Macaroni Factory’s one acre of heritage gardens, still with the rustic weatherboard outhouse in situ. Pergolas covered with rambling grape vines, cherry blossom trees, rose bushes, a kitchen garden, fruit trees, and curved stone pathways will transport you to Northern Italy. Watch the humorous antics of the resident Guinea Fowls and wild ducks while sipping your morning coffee, play a game of bocce, find a shady spot to read or write, and end the day with drinks under the vines at sunset.
Special Features
Original Ceiling Murals
Heritage Listed
Private Terrace
Established Gardens
Celebrations & Events at the Old Macaroni Factory
The Old Macaroni Factory is now a unique space for special events and gatherings. Named in recognition of the building’s rich history, Lucini’s Lounge, the Hepburn Democratic Club Long Room, and Macaroni Room offer fully accessible, flexible spaces for up to 40 people, with food & service provided by local renowned restaurant, The Surly Goat.
A stylish interior with antiques and designer furnishings, hydronic heating, and a commercial catering kitchen stocked with beautiful kitchenware & glassware, make the Old Macaroni Factory an all-inclusive and unforgettable venue. For further information, contact host Jenni here.
Things To Do
With natural mineral springs, the Daylesford & Hepburn Springs region holds a long history as one of Australia’s wellness destinations. Relax in therapeutic mineral waters at Hepburn Bathhouse and The Mineral Spa, and choose from a range of restorative spa treatments.
Spend time discovering Daylesford, a charming historic town with beautifully-preserved heritage streetscapes, boutique stores and cosy cafes. Shop at Manteau Noir, Harry and Me, Cedar and Sage, and stop in at Cliffy’s Emporium for their all-day brunch. Wombat Hill House, nestled in Daylesford’s picturesque botanic gardens, is also a lovely spot for lunch. For fine dining, The Surly Goat is Hepburn’s local hatted restaurant, with a seasonal and sustainable menu. Merenda is a small wine bar, with a Mediterranean-style bistro upstairs. And stop in at Winespeak, who showcase sought-after local and international wine producers.
Surrounded by native forest and rolling farmland, pack a picnic and bush walk through the Wombat State Forest and Hepburn Regional Park, picnic by Lake Daylesford, and visit Lavandula Farm, a working lavender farm where you can wander through lavender fields, and shop their range of bath & body products, all crafted on site.
