Watermark Kilns can be found in the heart of the Southern Forests region of WA.
Close to the intersection of the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail, between Pemberton and Northcliffe, sits this beautiful property where the climate allows for mild summers, cool, but not cold winters and reliable rainfall affording you everything healthy farm living engenders.
The coast at Windy Harbour is not far away.
There is good soil, productive pasture, netted fruit trees and an embarrassment of vegetables. Beef and eggs add to the menu and for special occasions: marron.
What about Avocados? The growing of avocados in the area is a possibility, you may like to investigate.
For outdoor enthusiasts 262 Karri Hill Road, Crowea is well positioned as there are lots of walk and cycle trails beyond the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail. Walkers along the Bibbulmun Track have Watermark signposted just 200 metres away.
Mountain bike riders following the Munda Biddi trail will pass right by the door of Watermark Kilns. A marvelous spot for a pit stop – at The Kilns.
Orchid Road, Moons Crossing and River Road are 5 minutes drive away and provide easy vehicle access to the Warren River.
Fungi and orchid species are diverse and plentiful.
The Southern ocean and Yeagerup sand dunes are day picnic trips distance.
For working couples, Watermark is the ‘right’ side of Northcliffe for easy access to Manjimup as well as for market produce, agricultural supplies and employment opportunities in local government, schools and local businesses.
With a vibrant arts scene, choice of restaurants and schools Northcliffe, Pemberton and Manjimup offer lots of options.
More than 70 different bird species have been logged on the property. Other wildlife extends from frogs to kangaroos.
The property is well-supplied with workshop, hay and machinery sheds. Aquaculture is served by another shed and there is even an artist’s studio/games room over at the kilns.
Having a rural and commercial rating allows for endless possibilities…
The homestead has won an architectural award for sustainable design and costs next-to-nothing to run. Why? Because power supplemented by 5kw solar system.
Homestead:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)
- Office
- Country kitchen/dining/living
- Carport for two vehicles
- Machinery shed with closed workshop
- Hayshed
A little about the homestead itself
- The total area minus carport is 185sqm (approx.)
- The carport is 32sqm (approx.)
- All internal walls except robes and pantry are rammed earth
- External walls are 300mm thick. Internals are 200mm (approx.)
- An architectural advance is that walls above windows are also rammed earth. (Most rammed earth constructions use timber above windows).
Homestead Water
- 200,000 litre rainwater tank + 500 litre extra
- Pressure pump
Kiln Complex Buildings
- Single Kiln: Couple plus one
- Bell Cottage: Couple plus one
- Double Kiln: Up to 10
- Bassett House: 4
- Studio/Games Room
Kilns Water Supply
- 4 x 44,000 litre rainwater tanks
- 2 pressure pumps with UV water sterilisers
The current owners derive an income from the unique accommodation at the kilns (yes they ARE unique). The owners make little effort with marketing, but word-of-mouth keeps up a steady stream of guests and returns from the cattle and marron.
Aquaculture
- 10 bottom drained ponds. The others can only be trapped
- 3 dams
- 3hp pump
- Aquaculture Shed with holding tanks, aeration pumps, traps, floating nets – all the gear
Garden and Stock Water
- To homestead – from firefighter trailer at ponds dam
- To Kiln gardens and stock troughs – from 3hp pump at main dam
- To eastern paddock stock troughs – gravity feed from header dam
Pasture
- 30 hectares divided into 8 paddocks: annual fertiliser applications
- Comfortable capacity: 35 beef cattle
Council Rates:
- 2017 – $1850 approx.
Other Attractions
- Karri Hill Rd on school bus route
- Schafer Hut (Bibbulmun Track) 300 metres away with excellent summer swimming
- Munda Biddi Trail runs along Karri Hill Road
More information is at www.watermarkkilns.com.au