Eight Willows: Luxury Margaret River retreat hits the market with expansion potential
If “close encounters with kangaroos at sunset” and a touch of romance are your thing, an award-winning Margaret River luxury retreat offers a rare opportunity to invest in one of Australia’s most celebrated tourism destinations.
Eight Willows Retreat – a “thriving” wedding and corporate events business with on-site accommodation – has hit the market in the heart of the world-famous wine region, with approved plans to expand on the vast and picturesque property.
Set on more than 30 hectares of pristine natural bushland, between forests and bush, rivers and the sea, the events and accommodation retreat at 266 Metricup Road, Metricup, is a short drive from world-class wineries including Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines and Leeuwin Estate.
Combining natural beauty and modern luxury, the retreat boasts a 4.7-star Google rating. Facilities include a contemporary 500-square-metre lakeside function space, which caters to 140 seated or 275 standing guests, and dozens of accommodation offerings to suit individuals, couples and families.
There are 26 self-contained one- or two-bedroom luxury chalets and a larger four-bedroom residence that doubles as a bridal suite for destination weddings or a cosy workplace getaway.
Four wedding ceremony locations – the bush chapel, the willow tree, a gazebo and al fresco parkland – are dotted around the property. Plans have been approved to create more accommodation and additional in-house food and beverage services.
These plans include seven luxury glamping tents, a restaurant, a gym and a tennis court to complement the property’s special surroundings, which include two lakes, well-maintained grounds, fruit orchards and bushwalking trails.
The unique opportunity is being marketed by Savills Hotel Capital Markets, with an undisclosed asking price.
Savills agent Mark Durran, managing director of Hotel Capital Markets, described the retreat as having exceptional investment potential.
“Eight Willows Retreat is a rare opportunity to acquire a premium freehold hospitality asset in a globally recognised tourism destination,” he said.
“With its established business, approved value-add upside, and ability to leverage growing tourism demand, the property offers strong revenue diversification and long-term capital growth potential.
Co-agent Barney Dear, director at Savills Australia and New Zealand, said the Margaret River region had thrived since the pandemic.
“The Margaret River region continues to experience strong tourism growth, with visitor spend in Western Australia’s south-west increasing by over 29 per cent compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the year ending September 2024.
“Eight Willows Retreat is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this demand, offering a rare combination of luxury accommodation, event facilities, and approved development potential in one of Australia’s most celebrated tourism destinations.”
The Margaret River region is home to more than 200 vineyards and is positioned to benefit from the increasing tourism that will flow from Jetstar’s new direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River airport.
Eight Willows Retreat is being offered via an international expressions-of-interest campaign closing at 2pm on Friday, March 21.
