From Serendipitous Find to Luxe Glamping Escape
What began as a simple desire for a quiet weekender for getaways and use as an Airbnb turned into an extraordinary journey for Susan and Franco Randazzo. A casual Google search about tents ignited a spark, transforming their plans into a quest for breathtaking landscapes and a charming Aussie town, with a vision to create something truly unique in the world of luxury glamping.
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Eighteen months, 20,000 kilometres, and thirty country property viewings later, fate intervened. A roadside "For Sale" sign near Bridgetown, WA’s only gazetted historic town in the South West’s Southern Forests and Valleys Region, three hours’ drive from Perth, led them to a stunning 478-acre expanse—roughly the size of Monaco. With mist-shrouded valley views, complete seclusion, and a whispering jarrah forest, they instantly knew they had found something extraordinary.
​Bridgetown sealed the deal. Its rich history, cosy cafes, and proximity to world-class wineries, along with nearby Manjimup—the food bowl of WA and home to Australia’s first mainland truffles—made the decision simple. They’d found their haven.
Mere bell tents couldn’t do justice to such magic. This sanctuary deserved luxury. Designed as a five-star retreat, each eco-tent is positioned for ultimate privacy and tranquillity, nestled over 200 metres apart at the forest’s edge. Cloud-like mattresses, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtfully selected crockery and glassware cater to even the most discerning traveller. Each tent boasts a private stone bathtub on the deck, an indoor wood-burning fireplace, a fully tiled bathroom, a kitchenette, and an outdoor firepit—perfect for stargazing under a Milky Way unobscured by light pollution.
Sustainability was at the forefront of every decision. An extensive solar power system, water harvested from the property’s natural spring-fed dam, and a commitment to recycling, all echo Susan and Franco's dedication to responsible luxury travel.
"The sunsets here are truly otherworldly," Susan reflects. "The towering jarrahs glow in fiery tones as dusk settles, kangaroos emerge from the bush to graze, and the Milky Way lights up the sky. It’s pure Serenity Gully magic."
Since that serendipitous discovery, Serenity Gully has won New Business Category Silver in the West Australian Tourism Awards, showcased in magazines across Australia and welcomed thousands of visitors from across Australia and around the globe. Many have already returned, seeking to relive the serenity, seclusion, and beauty of this extraordinary retreat.
Thanks to this success, Susan and Franco will expand Serenity Gully in mid-2025 with the addition of two luxury steel-and-glass chalets, setting a new benchmark for couple’s accommodation in WA. These stunning chalets will join a small event and communal space designed to cater to the growing demand for wellness retreats. Entirely off-grid and reusing building materials from commercial sites such as the glass windows and tiles, the new additions will exemplify the harmony that can be achieved when nature and sustainability are at the heart of every decision.
