Edge Luxury Villas, the brainchild of Clare and Cameron Kissell, is a brand-new couple’s retreat nestled in the heart of the luscious Margaret River Wine Region in Western Australia. Margaret River is famous for world-class surfing and wineries and is a popular tourist destination.
Retreat over the lake
Designed as an adult-only retreat, it features four luxurious, self-contained villas with private balconies featuring NewTechWood’s composite decking cantilevered over the lake. Each villa accommodates just two adults and includes a fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher), lounge, woodfire, king bed, spacious bathroom with a freestanding bath, and a large private deck. Complimentary local wine, coffee (and coffee machine), organic tea, and bathroom products are also provided.
Cantilevered NewTechWood decks for amazing ambience
The Kissells considered the cantilevered decks over the water critical to each villa’s ambience, creating a unique point of difference. Their choice of decking was crucial in that it had to provide strength, durability and longevity, and fit in with the general architectural style. The look and feel they sought was a contemporary design in a natural, rural setting. As a result, the entire build features cutting-edge technology, sustainability, environment-friendly materials, and premium finishings.
When it came to the decking, they chose NewTechWood’s commercial range, US49H, a solid board, fully capped around all four sides with a durable capping, which they trialled with a sample piece for scratch testing so they could compare with other products. It passed, and together with its realistic timber look, BAL29 fire rating, slip ratings and required joist spacings, put NewTechWood at the top of their must-have deck list.
Obviously, sustainability was also an important factor and NewTechWood’s eco-accreditation was the icing on the cake. In addition to the villa decking, in 2019, they renovated the over 100-year-old farmhouse, which included the traditional Australian wraparound deck.
Ultimately, the entire project was approached with this simple philosophy: “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.”
Composite decking may cost more upfront, but from a commercial standpoint, they felt they couldn’t afford not to use it. An added benefit for the family is the only maintenance these new decks require is to keep it clean – there is no sanding, reoiling or painting required ever.
Guests often ask for information about the decking when they are considering their own home renovations. According to the Kissells, people are loving the feel and look of the balconies and quipped that they are our NewTechWood Margaret River showroom. (There is actually a NewTechWood reseller in Margaret River who has samples.)
Building a sustainable dream on a 137-acre property
And how did this all come about?
It started when Cameron, Clare, and daughter Emily traded city life for a ‘tree change’, resulting in the purchase of a 137-acre neglected and rundown farm that had been on the market for years. With their backgrounds of teacher and tradesman, they didn’t consider themselves standard landowners. However, this did not deter them or dampen their enthusiasm because they could see the potential and had a dream.
Their vision involved creating a unique, short-term accommodation experience focusing on adult-only romantic luxury whilst being sustainable and off-grid. So, they set to work, relentlessly transforming the land, planting thousands of trees, protecting the old-growth forest, building a dam and improving buildings, roads and fences. They also joined the Land for Wildlife Scheme, a voluntary property registration scheme for landowners who wish to manage areas for biodiversity and wildlife habitat. This is a government-funded scheme with offices in every Australian state.
In 2022, they signed a contract to build four remarkable accommodation units with absolute waterfrontage, and thus Edge Luxury Villas was born. Whether it is summer or winter, these villas and indeed, the Margaret River region itself is a perfect getaway destination.
Want a cosy, romantic winter tryst?
Each villa features a beautiful wood fireplace, complete with wood. The villas face east, meaning the winter wind and rains pass over the villa, not through your private balcony. You can sit outside and enjoy the wind and rain dancing across the lake while you stay warm and dry. And in spring, you can enjoy the wildflower season. Come summer, not only are the popular Margaret River surfing beaches available, you can also jump in your own lake! Combine this with being surrounded by world-class wineries, each with their own restaurant and tasting adventures and this is a little slice of heaven for an exceptional unwind experience.
Another special aspect to this property is the preservation of 20 acres of old-growth forest, which today thrives as a healthy ecosystem and a sanctuary for a variety of critically endangered animals, including the majestic red-tailed black cockatoos and the elusive western ringtail possums. The diverse array of wildlife here includes quenda, phasogale, possums, kangaroos, and a vibrant bird population. As passionate members of a local wildlife care group, the Kissells utilise their forest as a slow-release site for rehabilitated ringtail possums, offering them a safe haven to return to their natural habitat.
The perfect getaway for couples
Just 2.5 hours south of Perth, this is the perfect getaway. As each villa accommodates just two adults and no children, there is only a maximum of 8 guests at a time, ensuring a tranquil, relaxing mini-holiday experience. These villas were designed for privacy and all windows face the lake or the forest – your views are of nature, not the neighbours!
You’ll enjoy the benefits of double-glazed glass and 30% thicker walls, including acoustic insulation and deck siding for privacy. The angled sides make it physically impossible to even look towards other villas!
For more information on NewTechWood’s commercial range decking, you can check with your local reseller or visit our website. Architects and builders can feel free to contact our friendly team.
Project details
Project: Edge Luxury Villas
Project Type: 4 Short-Term Accommodation Villas
Location: Wilyabrup, Margaret River Region, WA
Size: 3 x 84sqm, and 1 x 102sqm
Architect: Danielle Buckham Studio Situs
Builder: KR Construction
Supplier/Reseller: Margaret River Hardware and Timber
NewTechWood Specification: US49H Commercial Decking in Ipe (approx. 80sqm)
Photography: Bianca Kate Photography and Lauren Trickett
