Few things could be more conducive to love than an afternoon stroll through antique shops, an intimate dinner at an award-winning restaurant and a good night's sleep in a beautiful hotel. After moving interstate and renovating a new home, my partner, Andrew, and I are very much in need of a recharge. We hit the internet - me searching 'romance' and 'shopping'; him opting for 'outdoors' and 'fishing'. We find the perfect compromise - Mollisons boutique hotel, in Kyneton, less than an hour from Melbourne.

The short drive through the Macedon Ranges brings us to the picture-postcard town of 4300 people. I breathe in and relax, my partner opens the car door for me (the country air is clearly doing good things for him!) and we step into a lovely courtyard and enter our five-star hideaway. There's no reception desk or common area other than the hotel's boutique where you check in, which creates a homely feel - like you're the only guests in the place.

Mollisons offers something different. Originally constructed in 1903 as a branch of the Bank of NSW, the building has been converted into a seven-room hotel. It is cute and cosy, striking a balance between the style of a modern hotel and the charm of a country retreat.

Owners Deb and Yvonne have travelled the globe, bringing back treasures. They have sourced the best homewares and the softest of soft mattresses, all dressed with feather-soft linens - and all of the items are available for sale in the boutique.

Kyneton is a famous stop on the foodie trail, so we are keen to check out the town - after all, how many country towns can boast two chef-hatted restaurants? We hit the main drag, Piper Street, home to restaurants including Annie Smithers Bistrot and Royal George Hotel (winners of the aforementioned hats). There are galleries, book and homewares stores to keep us occupied too. We settle on dinner at Annie Smithers, swayed by its ethos of adapting the menu according to what's available in its kitchen garden. The food is simple yet cooked with expertise.

As morning comes, we ponder the day ahead. Should we drive to Trentham Falls? Explore the Macedon Ranges and its wineries? Stop for a massage in nearby Daylesford? But before we make any decisions, my partner is out of bed and down to the shops to fetch the paper. The clean air must still be working its magic as he returns with croissants, coffee and a single sunflower (bought not picked!). Romance rekindled.

Mission accomplished.

Sweet stays

Mollisons offers a range of one- and two-bedroom suites. Prices range from $230 per night for a queen room to $520 per night for a two-bedroom apartment.

Boutique alley

A wander down Piper Street is sure to please.
Stockroom The best stop for art, design and vintage homewares.
Prunella A boutique florist and trove of treasures.
Kabinett A great mix of vintage homewares and collectables with an industrial twist.
Lauriston Press Run by artist Sarah Gabriel, this is part gallery, part studio and part art school.
The Vintage Yard Sale The best retro pieces at reasonable prices.
Emelia's (The Saucy Australian) No country getaway is complete without stocking up on local array of sauces, relishes and chutneys.

Joanna Barry stayed courtesy of Mollisons.