Escape the bustle to Franklin Vale Cottages, an exquisite embodiment of Diane Bergeron’s eponymous style.
Created in collaboration with interior designer and tastemaker Diane Bergeron, Franklin Vale Cottages is a celebration of classic design, Australian-made craftsmanship, and serene hospitality. Every detail, from furniture to textiles, has been carefully curated to create an environment that feels immersive, restorative, and effortlessly welcoming.
“I wanted guests to feel immersed in colour, beautiful artwork, and thoughtful detail, while still being held by the natural beauty of the surroundings: the expansive views, the quiet, and that private, peaceful atmosphere” - Designer, Diane Bergeron.
Located near the idyllic surrounds of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, this new short-stay retreat offers two unique cottages awash in calming blues and greens. Diane drew from the surrounding environment to set the creative direction. Greens, florals and natural tones echo the gardens and rolling hills, creating a palette that feels layered yet grounded. This connection between inside and out is central to the project’s sense of calm and place. The result is an experience that feels rich without being overworked, expressive but still relaxed. A true reflection of Diane’s exquisite taste.
“It’s a place where you can genuinely step away from the pace of Melbourne and reset, but it also offers the best of both worlds because it’s so close to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. You can head out and enjoy that relaxed country energy, or you can simply stay in, slow down, and let the cottages do what they’re designed to do — make it easy to relax, ” Diane Bergeron.
As a hospitality and short-stay accommodation project, Franklin Vale required furniture that could support both comfort and everyday living. Arthur G worked closely with Diane Bergeron to specify Australian-made pieces to encourage people to settle in, unwind and stay a while.
In the living spaces, the Louise Sofa, Allegra Chair and Piper Ottoman create generous zones for conversation and relaxation. In the bedrooms, the custom Kate Bed sits as a supportive base, reinforcing the retreat-like atmosphere of the cottages. Arthur G’s custom manufacturing capability ensured each piece was tailored to the project, from scale and proportion to upholstery and finish, displaying the quality and durability of luxury sofas and designer furniture.
“Comfort was essential, but I also wanted the furniture to be genuinely functional — pieces that work for long stays and invite people to settle in, read, talk, and unwind. Every setting needed to support both conversation and quiet time,”, Diane Bergeron.
Explore the Diane Bergeron Collection, including the Louise Sofa.
Diane Bergeron Louise Sofa and Piper Ottoman
“In a project like this, the “feel” is created by how carefully everything is considered, right down to the smallest choices.” - Diane Bergeron
Franklin Vale Cottages reflect a creative partnership built over many years. Arthur G and Diane Bergeron share an approach grounded in materiality, longevity and thoughtful design. This alignment allowed the project to unfold with clarity and cohesion, from structure through to furniture placement and final styling.
‘It always begins with conversation — understanding what the client wants, how they want people to feel, and what the space needs to deliver. In this case, we were fortunate to be working with a client we know well, and they were fantastic: collaborative, clear, and genuinely invested in creating something special,’ Diane Bergeron.
Custom Arthur G Bed Head, upholstered in Diane Bergeron Briland
At its core, Franklin Vale Cottages are about balance between beauty and function. The cottages are designed to feel special without being precious and refined without being formal, with every detail considered and close at hand.
“The goal is always the same: make it beautiful, make it comfortable, make it easy. A place that feels special, but also completely liveable,” Diane Bergeron.
The result is a retreat shaped by landscape, collaboration and Australian-made furniture. A place where guests are encouraged to slow down and stay a while.
Design by Diane Bergeron
Photography by Lisa Cohen