State Heritage · Entry ID 7923
A Place of Living History
From tobacco farm to heritage retreat — a story 75 years in the making
The Story
More than a holiday destination
Karri Hill Cottages carries a story that spans the post-war settlement of Australia's South West — from tobacco farming pioneers to a beloved heritage retreat for walkers, families, and nature lovers from across the country.
Formerly known as Watermark Kilns, the property sits on 262 Karri Hill Road in Northcliffe (Crowea), WA — a region shaped by forest, farmland, and the determination of soldier settlers who built new lives here in the years after World War II.
When you stay at Karri Hill Cottages, you're not just renting a room — you're sleeping in a piece of Western Australian history, surrounded by the same karri trees, paddocks, and star-filled skies that those first families called home.
"The workers' quarters and settler's homestead were built as part of WA's War Service Land Settlement Scheme — a government program that gave returned servicemen the chance to farm and build new lives in Australia's South West forests."State Heritage Office Library · Entry ID 7923 · 2002
A Living Timeline
The history of the land
1940s
Post-War Land Settlement
Following World War II, the Australian government launched the War Service Land Settlement Scheme — offering returned servicemen parcels of land in WA's South West to farm and settle. The Northcliffe–Pemberton corridor, rich in karri forest and fertile soils, was designated for tobacco farming.
Type of Soldier's Homestead — War Service Land Settlement Scheme
1950–51
The Bell Farm is Built
Roy and Peg Bell receive their allotment under the Settlement Scheme. To standard government plans, workers' quarters (now Bell Cottage) and a settler's homestead (now Bassett's Cottage) are constructed. Tobacco kilns — used to cure the leaf harvest — are built alongside, forming the nucleus of what would become Karri Hill Cottages.
Early settler family life — South West WA, c.1950s
1950s–90s
A Working Tobacco Farm
For decades the kilns and homestead function as an active tobacco farm. The distinctive kiln structures — tall, narrow, and built for controlled heat curing — become landmarks on the Karri Hill Road. The surrounding forest grows thick, the Munda Biddi and Bibbulmun trails take shape through the region, and the area draws a quiet community of farmers, foresters, and nature lovers.
Tobacco farming — South West WA
2000–03
Restoration & New Life
Trevor and Jeanette Hulcup purchase the property and embark on an extensive restoration. The kilns, workers' quarters, and homestead are carefully repaired and converted into farm stay accommodation. Wherever possible, recycled materials are used — preserving the character and authenticity of each building.
Conversion to farm-stay accommodation2002
State Heritage Listing
The property is formally recognised by the State Heritage Office of Western Australia (Library Entry ID 7923), acknowledging its significance as an intact example of post-war land settlement architecture — one of only a handful of tobacco farming complexes remaining in the region.
State Heritage Office ID 7923Today
Karri Hill Cottages
Now welcoming walkers, cyclists, families, and nature lovers from across Australia and beyond. With Starlink WiFi, bikes available for guests, and a veggie garden to harvest from, the farm spirit lives on — rooted in history, open to all.
Welcoming guests since 2003
The Buildings
Four structures, four stories
Each cottage on the property has its own distinct origin — from the industrial tobacco kilns to the humble workers' quarters and the settler's homestead.
The Double Kiln
c.1950 · Tobacco curing kiln
The largest structure on the property — a twin kiln used to cure tobacco leaves with controlled heat. Its double-height interior and robust construction now sleep up to 10 guests across three bedrooms with a grand 14-seat dining space.
The Single Kiln
c.1950 · Tobacco curing kiln
The most architecturally distinctive cottage — its tall, narrow form built specifically for the heat circulation required in tobacco curing. Restored into a cosy two-level retreat, it retains its unique proportions and original character.
Bell Cottage
c.1950–51 · Workers' quarters
Named after Roy and Peg Bell, the original soldier settlers. Built to government standard plans under the War Service Land Settlement Scheme. Now fully accessible, it retains its honest, humble character — a direct link to the people who first farmed this land.
Bassett's Cottage
c.1950–51 · Soldier settler's homestead
The main homestead of the original Bell farm — a spacious dwelling with a large verandah overlooking the paddocks and forest. Named after a subsequent settler, it features three sleeping areas, a sunroom, and carport.
Stay in a piece of WA history
Experience the karri forest, the starlit skies, and the quiet magic of a place that has endured for over 75 years.