Beyond the white picket fence and blooms of frangipani and rose, you'll find a century-old stunner nestled along a character-laden streetscape. Lovingly held in the same family for 40 years, this generational heirloom has a story to tell at every turn from the materials used throughout to the cherished memories held within (including a home concert or two).
There's an enchanting 'secret garden' out the back, a west-facing balcony with all the romance of pink hibiscus and pretty vines below, and a self-contained studio that offers endless options for its use whether it's guest quarters, an income stream or multi-generational living. It's the perfect combination of timeless elegance and contemporary family living, all within a fabulous location on the edge of bustling Freo.
Step inside to gracious period features; jarrah floorboards, picture rails, decorative detailing on the walls and ceilings, ornamental fireplaces and a long, arched hallway with sweeping high ceilings. In keeping with tradition, three bedrooms sit at the front of the home (each with ceiling fans) while a fourth bedroom, currently used as a study, enjoys the bonus of loft space above. Accessed via a timber ladder rescued from an old ship, this makes an ideal teenager's retreat or storage zone with the option of more roof space behind a doorway.
The generous kitchen and dining is a blank canvas to add your own style with good quality appliances and French doors leading to the side of the house and drying courtyard.
Continue through where the stunning extension effortlessly marries the old with the new. A lofty, pitched timber ceiling sits above the open-plan, air-conditioned lounge with the bonus of a cosy, woodfire-place tucked into the corner for those cooler months. Nearby is the bathroom, laundry (with a corner spa bath) and a little 'meditation room' before a balustrade of gnarled timber (from a fruit tree) rises to another bedroom with a walk-in robe, raised reading nook and private balcony with views across the rooftops.
Outside, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in a beautiful country vineyard somewhere. Recycled red-brick pathways curve around shady treed canopies to an alfresco space, traditional outhouse toilet and flourishing vegetable patch on the northern side. At the rear is the solar-passive designed, self-contained studio with jarrah decking and an outdoor, plumbed in bathtub - perfect to soak in beneath the stars or sun. Step inside to a kitchenette, laundry, bathroom and bedroom with a ceiling fan, while polished concrete floors and walls of northern-glass embrace plenty of natural light. The private back garden (behind Balinese teak doors) evokes its own sense of zen - sit and listen to birdsong above with a coffee in hand or start your day with a spot of sunrise yoga before retreating to your secluded sanctuary.
Echoing the sustainability ethos of Valley living, so much thought and care has gone into the re-purposing of materials throughout this home; brass door fittings imported from India, double-hung sash windows salvaged from an old hospital, clay tiles from a Balinese temple and a stunning infusion of timber, stone, brick and stained-glass highlights wherever you turn. Finally, modern updates include a security alarm system, CCTV cameras, 3kw roof solar panels, a rainwater tank and off-street parking for three vehicles (2 car bays, tandem, on the northern side and 1 car bay on the southern side).
It's rare to find a home so rich in character and charm with the perfect blend of lifestyle and location on your doorstep ? what a wonderful opportunity to make it your own.
- Century-old stunner built circa 1901 with contemporary style
- Solar passive, self-contained studio at rear with outdoor bath & private garden (use as guest quarters, income stream or multi-generational living)
- Period features: jarrah floorboards, picture rails, high-ceilings, arched hallway, decorative panelling
- Modern updates: ceiling fans, a/c (in lounge), woodfire-place, security system, CCTV
- Loft space, excellent storage throughout
- Brilliant re-purposing of timber, stone, brick & glass throughout
- Upstairs bedroom with private west-facing balcony
- Flourishing gardens: frangipani, rose, hibiscus, vines, vegetable patch & fruit trees (grapefruit, lemon & fig)
- 3kw roof solar panels with inverter, rainwater tank
- Room to park 3 vehicles off-street (2 car bays, tandem, on the northern side, 1 car bay on the southern side)
- Walk to shops, caf?s, parklands, public transport, White Gum Valley primary school
- Close to Freo & nearby beaches
Council Rates: $3,460.17 per annum (approx)
Water Rates: $1,546.75 per annum (approx)