Jessica Dodd – Owner Chambré Estate
In this interview, Jessica Dodd, co-owner of Chambré Estate, tells of some of the struggles and joys behind the scenes of managing short-term accommodation.
Tell us about Chambré Estate.
Nestled in the heart of Margaret River’s renowned wine region, the newly renovated Chambré Estate is a stunning blend of luxury, design, and nature. Originally a passion project, we have transformed this estate into a high-end retreat, offering guests an unforgettable escape. The renovation balances sophisticated interiors with the estate’s natural beauty, ensuring a seamless connection between indoor comfort and the breathtaking surroundings.
What do you do?
I’m an interior designer, textile print designer, business owner, wife and Mum of three. My roles are very much juggled, from working directly with clients to working with our Margaret River Properties team in marketing, business strategy, events, and interiors.
How did you get into the industry?
Michael’s parents were already in the industry, which is how we got started. We needed a business that would allow Michael to leave his mining job and be home full-time. Towards the end of his mining career, we were only seeing him on weekends, and with three little kids, it was incredibly stressful—I was desperate to bring him home and he was ready to leave mining.
Five years ago, we took on our first short-stay property – a small villa across the road from the beach. I handled all the cleaning and worked closely with clients on styling, despite having a very small budget at the time. Over the years, we’ve steadily grown, adding more properties to our portfolio and refining our approach. What started as a way to bring Michael home has now become a thriving business, built on passion, hard work, and a love for creating beautiful spaces.
Share with us a story from behind the scenes.
Early on, we missed a clean (we’re only human), so at 8 pm at night, we had to drop off the kids at Michael’s parents and go out to clean a property. The guest was so angry and we were so apologetic!
What food memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
As a kid I would go over to Aunty Shirley’s house, she had the most incredible garden and she would make the most amazing salads from all of the produce she grew, there were so many new flavours and herbs she would use to make everything taste so yummy!
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
Working with influencers and content creators is a real mixed bag—some are true creators, and then… there are the flops. One time, we had a content creator come in to shoot the house, but instead of capturing the property, she basically turned it into her own personal photoshoot. The house? Irrelevant. It can be painful at times, especially since we tend to throw our hat in the ring and say yes more often than we should. But after a few too many “look at me, not the house” moments, we’ve definitely learned to be a lot more selective!
The best part of my job is all the shopping I get to do for our clients and properties—my house has basically become a daily pit stop for the postie, with an endless stream of large packages and parcels arriving. Funny enough, because I’m always buying for everyone else, I hardly ever splurge on our own home—so this year, that will be my priority!
One of Jessica Dodd’s favourite food and beverage pairings?
Black Cocky Chardonnay with an Italian pasta white sauce. YUM!
What’s one of the wildest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
I will never understand how so many people manage to leave their special toys behind after checking out! The number of vibrators and other enthusiastic accessories we’ve had to post back is honestly next-level. And the best part? They always want them back—zero shame, just pure commitment to their investment.
The perfect day off for Jessica Dodd would be…
Pilates in the morning, grab sushi for some lunch and head to my favourite beach for a swim, lunch and catch up with my friends.
A day in the life of Jessica Dodd is…
- 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM | Early morning office work before the kids wake up.
- 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Get the kids ready and off to school.
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Pilates—because what’s the point of running your own business if you can’t take time for yourself?
- 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Coffee and work meeting at our fave cafe – Sora
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Back to the home office to answer emails and have another meeting with our events coordinator.
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Property site visit and meeting with new clients planning to renovate an old holiday home.
- 3:30 PM | Home in time for school pick-up and the kids’ extra-curricular activities.
What does Jessica Dodd do for fun?
Travel! I want to find new places to explore and visit. We really want to take our kids to Japan next year because they’ve never seen the snow. I also love exposing them to different cultures and ways of living.
What would you like guests to know about Margaret River Properties?
We created Margaret River Properties after recognising a gap in the market for authentic, locally hosted stays. As locals born and raised in the area, we bring a deep connection to the region, combined with a wealth of experience in interior design and management. Our focus is on the guest experience, ensuring each stay is more than just accommodation—it’s an immersive, carefully curated escape. Today’s travellers seek exceptional design, genuine local experiences, and tailored stays, from wine tastings and wellness retreats to eco-conscious living. Our goal is to create spaces that feel thoughtful, luxurious, and truly reflective of the magic of Margaret River.
Are there any misconceptions about running your own business? What has been a low point for you?
A common misconception about running your own business is that it gives you more free time—when, in reality, it often means working around the clock. We had to make the decision to stop working weekends because the natural pull to always be “on” was overwhelming, and for the sake of our mental health, we needed to create boundaries.
One of the hardest periods for us was from August to December 2023, when we nearly lost everything. We won the pitch to launch Chambré Estate, a huge property, sleeping 34 guests while still running our existing business in the background. It was all-consuming—we, along with our parents and friends, were on the ground landscaping, cleaning, and doing everything ourselves. The pressure was immense, and both Michael and I ended up on anxiety medication as our mental health took a serious hit. It was only through the financial and emotional support of our families and friends that we made it through. Looking back, had we truly understood the sheer scale of the project, we might have thought twice—but in the end, we pushed through, and we’re proud of what we built. If you want to check out what the property used to look like, just head to TikTok or Instagram.
How does a guest’s attitude impact the level of service they receive?
I challenge everyone to show kindness and understanding when a business or person makes a mistake—we’re all human, and things don’t always go perfectly. When guests approach issues with patience and a good attitude, the entire experience is less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
The number of times we’ve had to handle upset guests over things like WiFi going down or missed check-in details (because they didn’t check their emails!) is endless. The reality is, when guests are kind and understanding, we genuinely want to go above and beyond to help them—but when they’re rude and unreasonable, it’s much harder to find that motivation. A little grace and perspective go a long way in making the experience smoother for everyone!
What’s your view on the short-term holiday scene in Margaret River?
I still believe that the Margaret River Region remains one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It offers world-class wineries, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes yet feels untouched and undiscovered compared to other major tourist destinations.
The short-term holiday scene in the Margaret River Region is thriving. We have definitely noticed the increase in international guests due to the Busselton-Margaret River Airport now offering direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. The region has become even more accessible, attracting a wider audience of high-end travellers looking for unique and curated stays.
What practices do you currently implement or hope to implement to work towards social responsibility and sustainability in the future?
We are committed to sustainability and minimising our environmental impact. Single-use plastics are not used in our properties—instead, we refill all soaps and body care products to reduce waste. We’ve also sourced our own wood pulp biodegradable kitchen sponges, which are replaced after every guest for cleanliness and sustainability. Wherever possible, we opt for biodegradable bin bags.
What can guests look forward to in the upcoming months?
Winter in the South West is spectacular. Guests can unwind in our onsite infrared sauna, soak in the warmth of our wood-fired hot tubs, or gather around the fire pit with a glass of wine, watching the stars light up the crisp night sky. It’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and embrace the magic of our winter.
Read more interviews like this one with Jessica Dodd and learn about careers in the hospitality industry here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Asia via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.