Stamford Park Homestead has been restored for high times and high tea

Roving peacocks, a parlour lounge and breakfasts on the verandah of an 1882 country house. That's the pitch of Stamford Park Homestead, the latest project from Entrecote's Jason M Jones that opens in Rowville in late April.

Jones and partner, designer Brahman Perera, won a 2016 tender from Knox City Council to restore the homestead and its six acres, which had sat deserted for 30 years.

Elegant and whimsical is the pitch. The cafe holds 140 inside and out on those gabled verandahs and will serve Australian-European breakfasts and high tea daily. Grander rooms inside can host 70 diners on Friday and Saturday nights for a $59 two- or $79 three-course prix fixe dinner, devised by executive chef Nicholas Boyle (Gingerboy, Rockpool Bar and Grill). All breads and cakes will be baked on site.

Jones' says his inspiration comes from Gippsland's grand dame of dining, the Powerscourt Country House (RIP) where he was the "resident pianist" from 11-years-old. Other influences such as Sydney's bucolic farm cafe, the Grounds of Alexandria, have led them to add a 500-square-metre market garden to supply the venue.

The restored ornamental lake and grounds will be catnip for weddings.

Stamford Park Homestead will open daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner Friday and Saturday, from April. Emmeline Row, Rowville.