From humble shed to extraordinary escape, Stillwood is an adults-only sanctuary in Denmark, WA, where intentional design and nature’s rhythm inspire true rest.
Monica Tindall
What do you get when you cross an architect with an interior designer and a shared love for travel, nature, and the art of slowing down? You get Stillwood—a secluded, adults-only retreat in the treetops of Denmark, Western Australia. This humble shed hides something extraordinary – a carefully composed love letter to rest, ritual and region.
Stillwood Retreat, Denmark, WA
Originally an agricultural shed on a quiet patch of land, Stillwood has been reimagined as a refined retreat. The vision of husband-and-wife team Jeff and Kim, the space reflects years of seeking out places with soul, where design is intuitive, comfort is intentional, and the natural setting is a collaborator, not a backdrop. Time has a different texture here — slower, softer, and shaped by the rhythm of the trees.
Location
Stillwood is set on five acres of private land just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Denmark, Western Australia — close enough for morning coffee runs, yet far enough to feel completely removed. The land rolls gently down to twin dams, bordered by tall karri and marri trees that catch the light differently depending on the hour. There’s a quiet energy here — not isolated, but calm, and attuned to the natural pulse of the region. From this base, guests can explore the best of the Great Southern: cellar doors and farm gates, coastal trails and wild beaches, all within easy reach. But for many, the appeal lies in staying put — watching light shift across the water, listening to frogs at dusk, and remembering what it feels like to truly settle.
Studio Design
Stillwood is, quite literally, built on thoughtful foundations. The 72-square-metre studio occupies the original slab and frame of an agricultural shed — a deliberate decision by Jeff and Kim, who designed the retreat with sustainability, restraint, and intimacy in mind. Instead of erasing what stood before, they worked with it, allowing the site’s history to inform the present. The result is a space that feels anchored and intentional, stripped of excess but rich in sensory detail.
Inside, a soaring 5.5-metre vaulted ceiling draws the eye upward, immediately giving a sense of scale that belies the compact footprint. On the lower level, the open-plan lounge centres around a slow-combustion fireplace, flanked by handcrafted timber joinery and a kitchenette tailored for slow breakfasts and late-night wine. The finishes are tactile and quietly expressive — raw-edged timber, handmade ochre floor tiles in the bathroom, and a textural palette that reflects the surrounding forest. Surfaces are intentionally imperfect, selected not for showroom gloss but for the way they’ll wear in, not out.
The kitchenette—equipped with a mini-fridge, double hot plate, kettle, toaster, and an assortment of tea and coffee-making gear (espresso machine, French press and moka pot!)—is elevated by artisanal crockery so beautiful we find ourselves flipping it over to check the maker (and plotting how to get our hands on some). The thoughtful touches go far beyond the standard sachets: there’s locally roasted and ground coffee alongside pods, small-batch teas, and even hot chocolate with marshmallows—equally suited to sipping or melting by the fire. A nostalgic packet of Monte Carlo biscuits adds a playful touch (best enjoyed the childhood way: pulled apart, cream scraped, and the biscuit dipped into something hot). There’s even a lovely bottle of Singlefile Riesling and matching chocolate from the Denmark Chocolate Company—because why stop at just one indulgence?
A spiral staircase leads to a lofted sleep space that holds a king-sized bed beneath the pitched ceiling. Light pours in from high windows, shifting across the Karri-forest mural by local artist Desmond Sweeney — an atmospheric, oversized work that subtly blurs the boundary between interior and landscape. Every design choice feels purposeful, from the built-in shelving to the sculptural lighting and well-placed power points (designers know these things matter).
Bathing has been treated as ritual rather than routine. Indoors, the bathroom is moody and grounding, with a giant tub, luxurious bath products, heated towel racks and views through tall windows. Outside, we find a freestanding claw-foot tub set privately among the trees — a rare invitation to take your time (though, maybe not for softies like me in the winter months).
Experiences & Things to Do
Stillwood may be designed for lingering morning coffee on the deck, a book in the afternoon sun, a soak beneath the stars — but its position also places us within easy reach of some of the Great Southern’s most rewarding experiences.
Just a short drive away, Denmark’s cellar doors offer elegant cool-climate wines and generous local hospitality. Forest Hill, Singlefile and Rockcliffe are all worth a visit, not only for their wines but for the views that accompany them — rolling vineyards framed by native forest. If you’re inclined to pair your pinot with something more substantial, book a long lunch at Pepper & Salt (you could even walk from Stillwood if you enjoy a long stroll), where chef Silas Masih brings a Fijian-Indian sensibility to regional produce with refined ease.
Nature, too, is close at hand. William Bay National Park — with its striking granite formations and turquoise waters at Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks — is about 20 minutes from Stillwood. The Bibbulmun Track passes nearby, offering opportunities for both full-day hikes and short forest walks scented with eucalyptus and silence. For something slower, the town of Denmark offers bookshops, bakeries, and a small but thoughtful selection of boutiques and galleries.
And yet, the real draw might be doing very little at all. Stillwood encourages a kind of stay that doesn’t require an itinerary — only a willingness to notice the way light moves, how time stretches, and how surprisingly restorative a few quiet days can be.
Stay Like A Pro: Stillwood Edition
Respect the rhythm. Stillwood doesn’t rush, and neither should you. Check in early if you can, and give yourself time to actually be there — no half-day itineraries, no back-to-back tastings. This is a place for single-tasking.
Pack for texture. The interiors are all natural fibres, earthy tones and lived-in materials. Leave the activewear and synthetics at home in favour of linen, wool, and soft jumpers that match the mood of the she-oaks.
Learn to light a fire. The slow-combustion stove is part warmth, part ritual. If you’ve never lit one before, now’s your moment. There’s kindling, clear instructions, and the satisfying crackle of achievement once you get it going.
Dine in. Denmark has excellent produce, a few good takeaway options and an abundance of cheese, wine, and condiments. Bring an esky and dine in.
Bring a book, not your inbox. Stillwood’s reliable WiFi means you can stay connected if you need to—but the setting gently suggests you don’t. Mobile reception comes and goes, encouraging you to switch to aeroplane mode and let your mind wander. A couple of beautiful design books are on hand for inspiration, but a good novel or travel journal makes an ideal companion.
Pack ear plugs. Especially if your travel companion keeps a different schedule. Sound carries easily to the bedroom, so even a quietly passionate late-night tennis match viewing or an early riser’s shuffle can interrupt sleep.
Let the light lead you: In this part of Australia, life follows the sun. You won’t find heavy blackout curtains at Stillwood—just soft morning light slipping through the windows and stars to end your day. Lean into the circadian cycle; early nights and sunrise starts are part of the magic here, and they do wonders for your wellbeing.
Treat the tub like a destination. At Stillwood, the indoor and outdoor tubs aren’t just for show—they’re a full-body reset. Run the water hot, toss in the eucalyptus bath salts, and sink into the stillness, surrounded by green. It’s restorative, indulgent, and just possibly transformative.
Stillwood Review
Stillwood balances architectural precision with emotional resonance. The design is quietly intelligent, the setting speaks in birdsong and breeze, and time feels just a little more generous. We came for rest, reconnection, and to simply breathe a little deeper. We found a space beautifully considered, deeply felt, and entirely our own.
Reasons to stay at Stillwood Retreat: secluded forest setting just minutes from Denmark; refined design with natural textures and soaring ceilings; generous tubs indoors and out; thoughtful provisions including local wine, chocolate and coffee; a place to unplug, slow down, and savour the quiet.
Stillwood – Adults-only Retreat Denmark
40 Craig View, Shadforth, Western Australia, Australia
Link to Stillwood on Google Maps
www.stillwood.com.au
@stillwood.retreat
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