Walking into the library of this McCleery Street, Beaconsfield home I underwent a breathtaking “oh, my Lord” moment.
I held my breath before exclaiming—I was almost moved to tears by the soaring 16-foot wall of gorgeous timber and glass-fronted shelves crammed with books.
Perhaps it was the presence of a gentle ghost, who I’m sure I saw sitting by the open fire—port in one hand, a book in the other.
Or maybe I’ve just read Pride and Prejudice too many times, and was projecting Mr Bennett onto the scene.
I had trouble tearing myself away, but was keen to reach the upper level of books, accessed via cute double timbers doors off a second-storey sitting room.
The front section of this four-bedroom limestone home, with its 16’ ceilings and deep skirting boards, has been magnificently renovated; pine floors polished to a soft glow, fireplaces buffed.
Renowned architect Gerard McCann beautifully melded the heritage home with a modern extension that is perfect for today’s family. I’m always impressed with McCann’s respect for Fremantle’s heritage and the urban environment.
Come the Australia Day fireworks the deep, second-storey verandah is a great vantage point.
The result here is a soaring two-storey extension with floor-to-ceiling glass upstairs and down. To top it off the mature trees in the garden were not only kept, but made a feature.
The vast open kitchen/family/dining room gives a nod to the home’s heritage with lovely white timber ceilings.
But the sleek kitchen is pure 21st century, with black granite topping soft, golden timber cupboards and acres of storage, including a generous pantry.
Banks of bifold doors off the family/dining area open onto an expansive timber deck from the built-in-barbeque kitchen (with a lovely sculptural water feature) to the saltwater pool.
You’ll find the parents’ wing upstairs, where walls of glass ensure plenty of natural light, and delightful garden views (if you crane your neck you get ocean glimpses). The ensuite’s walls are also glass, frosted in a wave-like curve to head height. That gives you outdoor views without shocking anyone in the pool below.
Come the Australia Day fireworks the deep, second-storey verandah is a great vantage point.
Should you be entertaining friends and family on the balcony or around the pool Fremantle is virtually on the doorstep.
If my numbers come up on Saturday, I’ll be sharing a port with the old gentleman in the library. I might even buy a couple more Slikpicks to increase my chances.
1 McCleery St, Beaconsfield
from $1.5 million
Daryl Cook | 0400 209 894
Abode | 9385 3377