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The Parfitt family has carved out a unique lifestyle by spending half of each year in the beautiful tropical paradise of Bali. However, their residence is not just another ordinary bungalow; it is a luxurious short-term rental they designed themselves, which offers an exceptional experience for guests.

In 2017, after navigating a series of entrepreneurial ventures in the startup world, Justin and Annabelle Parfitt decided to slow down and establish a more stable lifestyle, splitting their time between Bali and the picturesque French countryside. To make this lifestyle sustainable and profitable, they decided to construct a two-villa compound named Kasianda in the vibrant Canggu neighborhood of Bali, which they rent out for vacation stays and events.

Now, along with their two young daughters, Rosie and Skye, who are aged 9 and 5 respectively, the Parfitts enjoy living in this luxurious property for half of the year while also welcoming guests to experience their creation.

After Years of Entrepreneurship, the Parfitts Found Their Favorite Places

The Parfitt couple's journey has seen a wide array of career paths over the past 25 years. Justin, who graduated from college in Bristol, England, initially ventured into the world of music production and ran a video production company, among other creative projects. His academic journey led him to Australia, where he pursued an MBA and met Annabelle.

Together, they launched a speed-dating business that expanded into the US and Canada, allowing them to travel extensively while working. After successfully selling their company in 2013, Justin created a social network centered around shared experiences. However, after years of constant movement and various professional endeavors, the couple decided in 2016 to settle down.

Reflecting on their travels, Justin recalled, It came time to try to reimagine our lives. I was like, 'Well, where do we really like going? The answer was clear: Bali and southwest France were the two destinations they frequently returned to.

In 2017, the Parfitts made a significant investment by purchasing a quaint chateau in Gascony, France, and set out to establish their next project in Balia luxurious short-term rental that could also serve as a family retreat.

Building Their Dream Villa Compound in Bali

With their vision set on Bali, the couple sought land to lease. However, due to Indonesian laws prohibiting foreigners from owning property, they opted for a leasehold arrangement. The Parfitts secured a 40-year lease for the land, which came at a cost of $400,000.

They collaborated closely with a local architect, spending a year finalizing the designs for a two-villa compoundone featuring seven bedrooms and the other five. After experimenting with various architectural styles ranging from tropical to modern, they ultimately settled on a timeless colonial design.

Construction commenced in 2018, and after nearly a year of hard work, they celebrated the completion of the five-bedroom villa, welcoming their first guests on Christmas Eve of 2019. However, just as they were getting started, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing them to finish the construction of the seven-bedroom villa remotely from France, primarily through WhatsApp communications. By 2021, the entire compound was completed, with a total project cost of around $1.7 million, which included expenses for the land lease, construction, furnishings, and landscaping.

The two villas can be rented separately or together, accommodating up to 30 guests and providing a unique luxurious experience. As Justin aptly put it, The seven-bedroom is like your own private 5-star resort.

Each villa boasts upscale amenities, including an expansive saltwater pool, a swim-up bar, a terrace, and a barbecue pit in the larger villa. Inside, guests can find a spacious open kitchen, a living room, eight bathrooms, a dining room, and a dedicated media room. The smaller villa also features its own pool, a shared living and dining area, and a kitchen.

A Focus on Luxury and Extravagance

In their pursuit to stand out in a competitive market, the Parfitts recognized the growing demand for luxurious and extravagant experiences among their guests. To this end, they added a commercial kitchen and bar to their property, enlisting the expertise of a renowned local chef to curate a gourmet menu. Additionally, the former head mixologist of the Ritz-Carlton assisted in crafting unique cocktails that guests can enjoy, creating a culinary experience akin to that of a high-end hotel restaurant.

Alongside these culinary offerings, the Parfitts also ventured into event planning. They noticed an increasing trend of guests arriving for significant celebrationssuch as milestone birthdays and anniversarieswhich prompted them to offer complimentary party-planning services. Justin explained that they work closely with guests and the villa staff to execute impressive celebrations. For instance, they hosted a vibrant Holi-themed 60th birthday party for 30 guests from India, complete with colorful water balloons and foam cannons. Last year, an Alice in Wonderland-themed party featured fire performers, dancers, and creatively crafted cocktails.

Today, Justin estimates that they host one or two such events each month, showcasing their commitment to providing a creative and unique experience for their visitors.

During the off-peak season, the Parfitt family resides in the smaller villa while continuing to welcome guests and enhance their compound. They recently spent time on-site developing new menu items, including a duck salad and testing innovative cocktail recipes. We've got really good food and great cocktails, Justin remarked. But at the end of the day, we try to make sure that theres something extra special as well.