South Regional

Edge Luxury Villas

Billed as a romantic retreat, Edge Luxury Villas could just as easily be a place for a little solo self-care.

The adults-only property is located in Wilyabrup – known as the cradle of the Margaret River wine region – and the guest experience is absolutely paramount for owners Cam and Clare Kissell, a husband-and-wife team who’ve created the unique accommodation from the ground up.

Each of the four villas looks over the property’s lake, with a picture-book bridge that’s asking to be snapped, perhaps from the freestanding stone bath or overhead rainwater shower, positioned for a view. The wood-burning fireplace in each comes in handy over the cooler months, too, when you can enjoy the flicker, crackle and pop from the sofa or the bed.

While the villas are huddled together, they’re detached enough and thoughtfully laid out so that you don’t overlook your neighbours once inside or out on the enclosed balconies. Better yet, there’s little or no noise thanks to a build quality and sound-absorbing design that has garnered industry awards. Added touches that support the locally minded ethos include wine and coffee from the region as well as works by local artist Karen Seamen and Vasse Virgin body products.

You can rest easy here, too, knowing the villas receive a green tick for being fully off-grid and certified for sustainable tourism. Guilt-free luxury, indeed.

Need to Knows

  • Four luxurious lake-facing villas, each sleeping two guests.
  • Check-in: 2pm; Check-out: 10am.
  • The ‘Vineyard’s Edge’ villa offers a little more space, as well as a bath for two.

What’s there

The Kissells invite guests to explore the 50 acres of forest and swim in the lake with respect for the property, which is a working cattle farm. In the wilder winter months, the villas’ spacious balconies become prime viewing spots for rugging-up to watch the weather pass over and put on a show. Trust us, it’s a thing.

What’s around

Vineyards, vineyards, vineyards. Take a look at the latest Halliday Wine Companion – handily placed in each villa – to plan your route around some of Australia’s finest cellar doors. Otherwise, Cowaramup (locally dubbed “Cow Town”) is a great spot to browse artisanal delis, taste top-tier gin at The West Winds Distillery & Tavern, or sink a local beer at The Servo Taphouse.

What’s super special

It really is a place to retreat to. The beauty of Edge Luxury Villas is that if you want to venture beyond the property gates and explore, you can. But there’s certainly no shame in hunkering down, lighting the fire and Netflix-and-chilling either.

Children

This is very much an adults-only retreat, and not the place for families.

Breakfast

Grab some breakfast provisions before you arrive to make the most of the bijou kitchen, which includes a Smeg coffee machine. Or head out to coastal spots like Lagoon Yallingup, Gracie’s General at Gracetown, and White Elephant Cafe down in Gnarabup.

Eating and drinking

Being minutes from Caves Road means you’ve got easy access to many of the area’s best wineries and restaurants, such as Vasse Felix, Cherubino, Cullen Wines and Chow’s Table. Clairault Streicker and Amelia Park Wines, meanwhile, are both favourites of the Kissells. And if you’re after a tasting followed by a more informal grazing option, head to Domaine Naturaliste – one of Margaret River’s newer names, helmed by veteran winemaker Bruce Dukes – just a one-minute drive from the villas.

Things to book

Be sure to plan ahead in peak season, when restaurants, pubs and breweries are all solidly booked. For an unforgettable regional experience, consider a tour through The Margaret River Discovery Co, which are a cut above.

Notes

You’ll find reasons aplenty to return to this property year-round, but winter may well be the sweet spot given the views, the fire and the region’s slower pace in the chillier months.