Margaret River: Where holiday-makers become permanent residents

Just over a three-hour drive south of Perth, Margaret River has become something of a gourmet jewel in the crown of the West Australian coastline, boasting restaurants, wineries and microbreweries, leaving it unrivalled in the west and, perhaps, even the country.

Add the natural beauty that was always there, like the radiant beaches within arm’s reach of each other and vast national parks that are simply breathtaking, and it’s no wonder holidaymakers increasingly prefer to become permanent residents.

Endless possibilities

Understandably, you may never want to leave once you arrive at Margaret River, set in the heart of the famed region, from which vineyards stretch out in every direction.

Property consultants Clare Andrews and Sarah Twine of Stocker Preston say it’s for this reason and many more that the local property market has seen a boom over the last 18 months.

“Each month, new levels are being achieved,” Andrews says, adding that most buyers are interested in lifestyle properties, holiday rentals and older-style homes on large blocks that allow room for redevelopment.

This array of real estate possibilities and the Busselton Margaret River Airport’s newly launched east coast route have propelled the Margaret River region’s median house price by 25 per cent over the year to $625,000.

“More people can now get here quickly and easily, so the desire to both visit and live here will no doubt greatly increase,” Andrews says.

Local flavours

A foodies’ haven, Margaret River restaurateurs, winemakers and farmers are serving a seemingly endless stream of homegrown delights.

Fliss Brophy, the owner of online leather goods boutique Bahru Leather, believes this is an organic response to the exceptional cuisine that the region has been producing for many years.

“Margaret River is home to some wonderful large-scale annual events, such as the Western Australia Gourmet Escape, and weekly events on a smaller scale, like the fabulous Margaret River Farmers’ Market,” Brophy says. “There’s been a noticeable surge in wonderful places to eat and stay, and I think this will only continue, focusing on showcasing the local produce.”

Margaret River holds a special place in Brophy’s heart – her family has ties to the region over four generations. “Our ideal day starts with a trip to the Margaret River Bakery for ridiculously delicious treats and coffee, followed by a bushwalk somewhere in the Boranup Forest and a swim at Gnarabup, Redgate [beaches] or Canal Rocks,” she says.

For sale in the area right now..

Offers invited in the mid $5m range.

Margaret River WA 6285

3

2

6

View property

Immersed in the region’s lush forests, Ingemar is an award-winning architectural marvel, designed with five discrete luxury pavilions that combine glass, concrete and spotted gum.