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Our Story
HONESTY. TRANSPARENCY. RESULTS.
Hello I’m Paulette Contessi, founder of The Contessi Group.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my years in real estate, it’s that opportunity doesn’t wait—it rewards those who are ready to act.
After Covid, tired of working on my own I decided to get a team around me, firstly with one assistant and now to the 25+ fantastic staff I have on-board.
In June 2024, I took another leap and acquired a Real Estate Agency in Kalbarri, and Contessi Kalbarri was born. At the same time acquired a holiday home management company, rebranded to Kalbarri Escapes and now manage over 170 properties.
Contessi Group now operates several divisions:
Strata, Property Management, Facility Management, Holiday Management, Kalbarri Laundry and Commercial Leasing.
Growing More Than Just a Business
I’ve never believed in shortcuts or sales spin. Real estate, to me, is about people first—trust, loyalty, and results that genuinely matter. Every deal I take on is built on the foundation of honesty and open communication. Clients deserve the truth, not a polished version of it.
That’s why I work tirelessly to make sure every seller, buyer, landlord, and tenant feels informed, respected, and confident at every step. I’m driven by outcomes, not ego. Whether it’s negotiating a sale, solving a complex property issue, or improving our systems behind the scenes, my goal is simple: deliver exceptional results without ever compromising integrity.
It’s that commitment to transparency and hard work that has shaped everything we do—and it’s what keeps our clients coming back, year after year.
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Kalbarri’s Real Estate and Tourism Boom
With over 170 short-term rental properties and counting, Kalbarri Escapes is growing faster than ever. Investors are recognising Kalbarri’s rising property values and high-yield potential in the tourism market.
Kalbarri has faced challenges, from COVID-19 to Cyclone Seroja, but I truly believe in the town’s long-term potential as a premier Western Australian holiday destination. Property prices have already risen 12.5% in the past year, and I see so much opportunity, not just in traditional real estate, but in developing new tourism infrastructure, boutique accommodation, and high-quality visitor experiences.
Kalbarri Escapes is more than just a booking site, it is a deeply connected holiday accommodation collective, curated with care, passion, and a healthy dose of local know-how. These handpicked properties stretch across the spectrum of stay; think big family homes with multiple zones, waterfront properties within metres of the Murchison, family-friendly resorts with pools, playgrounds and BBQ’s and pocket-friendly apartments ideal for travellers on a budget. Comfort, style, and that laid-back Kalbarri character come standard.
When you book direct with Kalbarri Escapes, you skip hidden fees from 3rd party bookers, and keep more holiday cash in your pocket – up to 20% more, in fact. That’s money better spent on fresh seafood at Finley’s bush pub, sunset cruises on the Murchison, or maybe just another round of ice-cream by the foreshore.
What’s Next for Contessi?
We’re also expanding the Kalbarri Escapes brand beyond the region, launching West Escapes, which will provide full-service tourism property management in Western Australia’s South West and coastal Perth areas. The goal? To make short-term property investment seamless, profitable, and stress-free, no matter the location.
Beyond business, I’m deeply committed to supporting local career growth. Working with employment providers like MEEDAC, I’ve been able to help create long-term roles in hospitality, property maintenance, and real estate services.
One of the things I love most about Kalbarri is the incredible community of female entrepreneurs. There’s a true spirit of innovation and collaboration, and I want to be part of building that network, supporting new business ideas, and driving sustainable opportunities in the region.
Now that Contessi Kalbarri is firmly established, my focus is on strengthening our property management services and developing our strata management arm in Perth, ensuring that our investors and property owners receive the same high level of service we’re known for.
A Leadership Approach That’s Different
For me, real estate isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about empowering people. I’ve never been interested in the traditional real estate model where success is solely based on how many properties an agency principal can sell. Instead, I focus on mentoring and empowering my team, giving them the tools, training, and confidence to step up, own their roles, and drive success.
I don’t micromanage. I believe in hiring the best people, trusting them, and letting them thrive. That’s why we’ve been able to scale so quickly—because we identify opportunities and act immediately.