Welcome to Hillside

One of the great things about Hillside is that it is so accessible

Only just over an hour's drive east from the city of Perth - now a busy, bustling and often noisy hub - you are transported to a tranquil country retreat in York in the Avon Valley. Being the first inland town settled in 1831 and only 97kms away, York is Western Australia's most historically rich town. It is steeped in history and boasts many wonderful old buildings, so it is fitting that Hillside - a Federation-pile-with-a-past - sits in the historic heart of this famous Wheatbelt town.

About Us

The Homestead

Hillside was architecturally designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs, a leading architect and First World War general and built in 1911 for the newly-wed Morris Edwards and his wife Emily. Sited on land adjacent to the family property Hartleap, it was the jewel in the crown of the Edwards family who resided here for many years. In addition to farming their 1700 acres, the family had business interests in York, led a vibrant social life and formed part of the rich tapestry of York society.

On this historic and much loved property, the beauty of the countryside is all around us. After an intensely hot summer, we relish the advent of autumn followed by the onset of winter when the hills turn an emerald green, the dust is washed off the dusty gum trees and we watch the crop grow. The nights are cold and we spend the evenings around the fire and stare in amazement at the vast sky, studded with a myriad stars on crisp, cloudless nights. Then spring arrives and the gardens and wildflowers burst into bloom, quickly followed by summer when the hills turn the colour of straw, water becomes scarce and the threat of bushfires is ever present, but the West Australian rural landscape still has a beauty all its own. Over the past century, Hillside has endured the changing seasons and this "grande dame" still keeps watch over this bit of paradise we are fortunate to call home.

We extend a warm and friendly welcome to guests to experience firsthand, Hillside's peace and tranquillity, enjoy its rambling country gardens and extensive grounds. Don't suffer pangs of guilt having to leave your precious pooch at home, bring Fido along too! Hillside is the perfect holiday and weekend venue for couples, families and groups in getaway or celebratory mode to avail of our fabulous self-catering cottages or our very special ensuite rooms.

If what you look for in a getaway is good service, beautiful surroundings and a great bed to sleep in, this traditional country retreat offers genuine hospitality and special attention to detail without being pompous or overbearing. We look forward to your visit so we can share its very special magic with you.

PET-FRIENDLY FEATURES

  1. Pets are permitted inside the rooms / cottages
  2. Access to secure, outdoor enclosures
  3. Gated and secure verandas
  4. Acres of land to roam and go for walks
  5. Dogs welcome to be off their leads



DID YOU KNOW?

York is Western Australia’s first inland town and it is fitting that Hillside – a Federation-pile-with-a-past, sits in the historic heart of this famous Wheatbelt town. Architecturally designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs, this gracious homestead that overlooks York township, was the seat of the pioneering Edwards family and has had many caring owners over the years.



Awards

Accommodation

If what you look for in a getaway is good service, beautiful surroundings and a great bed to sleep in, this traditional country retreat offers genuine hospitality and special attention to detail without being pompous or overbearing. We look forward to your visit so we can share its very special magic with you.

 

Self-Catering Cottages

Our 3 cottages are set apart to ensure maximum privacy and space with individual parking areas. The emphasis is on relaxation with picturesque views of pristine farmland from every window, tranquil scenes of grazing sheep on the velvet green hills in the cooler months and amazing birdlife in the surrounding flora. As each cottage has been relocated and rejuvenated, we have kept the essence of the original building intact without scrimping on today’s conveniences, providing maximum comfort in pleasantly furnished interiors full of warmth, light and traditional charm. York experiences cold winters, so snuggle up around our wonderful wood fires on frosty nights but keep your cool during our hot summers with air conditioning and ceiling fans. Covered verandahs with outdoor seating and dining options are an added bonus and the scene of many a sundowner and alfresco meal all year round.

 

Julian’s

Perfect for: Couples, families and groups. Guests requiring disabled facilities. Sleeps up to 9. Pets welcome

Minimum Stay: 2 nights

In House: 4 bedrooms (2 queen, 1 queen and single, 1 twin single), 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities. Large living room with TV, DVD, CD. Dining area, covered verandah, gas BBQ. Reverse cycle and wood fire. WiFi. Parking

Check Out: 11 a.m. Earliest check in 1 p.m. but both are flexible subject to availability.

Rates: Nightly from $260 - $585

View Gallery

Beverley

Perfect for:  Couples, families and groups. Sleeps up to 7. Pets welcome

Minimum Stay: 2 nights

In House:  3 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 queen and single, 1double), 1 bathroom, fully equipped kitchen. Living room with TV, DVD, CD. Dining area, covered verandah, gas BBQ. Reverse cycle and wood fire. WiFi. Parking

Check Out:  11 a.m. Earliest check in 1 p.m. but both are flexible subject to availability.

Rates: Nightly from $260 - $455

View Gallery

Peppercorn

Perfect for: Couples, families and groups. Sleeps 6. Pets welcome

Minimum Stay: 2 nights

In House: 3 bedrooms (1 queen, 2 doubles), 1 bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities. Living room with TV, DVD, CD. Dining area, covered verandah, gas BBQ. Reverse cycle and wood fire. WiFi. Parking

Check Out: 11 a.m. Earliest check in 1 p.m. but both are flexible subject to availability.

Rates: Nightly from $260 - $390

View Gallery

 

Ensuite Rooms

Each one of Hillside’s SIX ensuite rooms – named after the illustrious and quirky personalities who have been part of its chequered history – has something uniquely appealing about it and they are all pretty special. Some of these rooms form part of a renovated stable block built of rammed earth and offer all the comforts without detracting from the traditional features that reflect Hillside’s 100 year history. After a busy day enjoying the outdoors, they provide a quiet venue to retreat to and relax, before going out to dine in one of York’s many eateries. The interiors are a rich blend of antique and modern furnishings with a range of amenities for a perfect weekend away.

 

Perfect for: Couples. Pets welcome.

Minimum Stay: 2 nights

In Rooms: 
A range of queen and king beds, ensuites with bath and shower or shower only. TV, DVD. Sitting area, bar ‘fridge, reverse cycle, wood heaters. WiFi. Carport

1 queen and 1 king room with bath (overhead shower), sitting area with TV, DVD. Reverse cycle, wood fires. WiFi. Parking

2 queen bedroom unit, each ensuite (shower), with separate sitting room, dining and full kitchen and wood fire. Reverse cycle, TV, DVD. WiFi. Carport

1 queen bedroom with ensuite (shower), separate sitting room and full kitchen, TV, DVD. Reverse cycle, WiFi. Parking.
1 queen room with two-person spa bath (overhead shower), sitting area with TV, DVD. Kitchenette, reverse cycle. WiFi. Enclosed courtyard with gas BBQ. Parking.

Check Out: 11 a.m. Earliest check in 1 p.m. but both are flexible subject to availability

Rates: Nightly from $230

View Gallery

Things To Do

This is the ideal place to go for a walk or a leisurely stroll.

Either on our gorgeous grounds punctuated by huge peppercorn trees or further afield, to explore the town. A walk trail network is available to give access to reserves and other parts of our attractive and unique natural environment. This is complimented by a network of flora roads. Or, bring your bicycle and follow a track...

You can indulge in whatever country pursuits you have in mind, so pack your wellies, walking boots, golfing gear and riding kit and give it a whirl after a good night's sleep.

Find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading. But if you're feeling adventurous. You can delight in an early morning hot-air balloon ride in the neighbouring town of Northam or experience gliding in Beverley - our other neighbouring town.

DID YOU NOW?

York is famous for its many festivals such as The Arts and Crafts Awards, Antiques and Collectibles, Vintage Motoring events and the York Motorcycle Festival.

Town Hall

Hot Air Ballooning

Swinging Bridge

Skydiving

Mt Brown Lookout

Main Street

Avon River

Old Courthouse & Gaol

 

In addition to its many and unique historical buildings and sites, York has an abundance of activities and attractions from the York Motor Museum, Residency Museum and Sock Factory to The York Mill. There are annual seasonal festivals that incorporate arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, vintage motoring and motorcycle events.

We understand that you are here to relax and want to be left alone but do remember that we are just a 'phone call away if we can assist in making your stay a memorable experience.

Contact Us

NEED A RESERVATION? Let us help you make the right choice

Address:

30 Forrest St, York, Western Australia 6302

Phone:

Mobile: +‍6‍1 41‍1 19‍9 54‍1

Email:

info@hillsideretreat.com.au