, an architect designed retreat in the forest at East Nannup, Western Australia
Most people come here as two, to light the fire, run the bath under the trees and not look at a phone for a few days, and a few of them have left engaged.
An architect designed house of rammed earth and glass in the jarrah forest of East Nannup, Western Australia.
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In among the trees
With architect Kris Keen we kept the house small and set it among the trees, so you feel part of the forest rather than looking over it, and built it from rammed earth and double glazed glass to stay warm on cold mornings and calm through a storm.
“Looking down into the valley feels like sitting in a small cave, and it is incredibly calming when all you can hear is the crackle of the fire at your back and the sound of the forest at your feet.”
The architecture
Rammed earth walls left as they came out of the formwork, polished concrete, honey toned ply and floor to ceiling glass, softened by arched doorways.
The forest
Private jarrah and marri bushland with trails and a seasonal creek, shared with kangaroos, black cockatoos and the wrens in the garden each morning.
The quiet
No phone reception, only Starlink wifi when you really need it, which makes it very easy to switch off and spend the evening by the fire or in the bath under the canopy.
How the light moves through the house
Morning
The sun comes up through the hallway window and lights The Green Room and the arched doorways, and the wrens are already out in the garden.
Midday
The sun drops straight through the bathroom skylight and lights up the green tiles, then wraps around the terrace for a long lunch outside.
Sunset
The sun breaks through the canopy and sets across the coffee table and sofa, which is when, in the cooler months, the fire goes on and the bath outside starts to look like a very good idea.
“Waking up to the forest views and birdsong was magical, and evenings by the fireplace were so cosy. The outdoor bath was an absolute highlight, soaking under the stars surrounded by the Jarrah trees felt incredibly special.”
“Probably the most beautiful Airbnb we’ve ever stayed in. The architecture and interior design are absolutely stunning, and you can tell that so much thought and attention to detail has gone into every aspect of the property.”
“This was our first stop from Melb celebrating our 10th Wedding anniversary & our stay at The Gully shone so brightly that the rest of our accommodation just didn’t have a chance!”
“The design of the house takes full advantage of the landscape that it sits in. The sounds of wildlife all around are instantly soothing.”
The Margaret River Region, without the crowds
On the quiet eastern edge of Western Australia’s South West, close enough to Margaret River’s cellar doors and beaches for a day trip, and far enough away that none of it follows you home.
- Bridgetown
- about 35 minutes
- Busselton
- about 45 minutes
- Pemberton
- about 50 minutes
- Margaret River
- about an hour
- Perth
- about 3 hours
