A tram in the front garden isn’t something the vendors of this High Street, Fremantle home (or their neighbours) need worry about.
But last century that’s exactly what happened when a tram went off the tram-line down the centre of High Street and ploughed up the front gardens of these Victorian town houses.
Fortunately, the gorgeous 1880s homes were untouched and today they form a regal trio on the edge of the port city CBD.
From the outside the homes are a picture postcard of a bygone era, including lovely barley-twist, timber window frames.
I was there to ogle at 207 (the middle one) and wasn’t disappointed to find everything I’d expect of a home of this vintage.
Beautiful ceiling roses, soaring ceilings, cast-iron fireplaces, jarrah floors on the ground floor and oregon on the upper level.
It may be cars not trams clanging past these days but the ground-floor, street-facing library was surprisingly quiet and restful.
The four-bedroom/four-bathroom home has been used for short-term accommodation but could just as easily be returned to its glory as a family home.
Most bedrooms are ensuites or semi-ensuites—some with space for a sitting room.
One has beautiful stained glass doors to the upstairs verandah, with its commanding view of High Street down to the port where you can watch liners glide past over breakfast, or enjoy the twinkle of lights over a glass of wine as they depart at night.
Downstairs there’s a couple of lounge/living rooms including an elegant central lounge where the old coal fireplace has been converted to gas for cosy winter nights–sans the mess, not to mention chopping the wood.
And off the compact kitchen you’ll find a delightful enclosed courtyard garden, a green oasis any time of the day and no doubt blissful on hot summer nights.
This close to Fremantle owning a car is almost redundant, but there are four bays in a rear carpark if you’re so inclined.
Whether for a short-term accommodation business or a family treasure this is a home for all seasons.
by JENNY D’ANGER
207 High Street, Fremantle
Auction April 27, 11am
David Vitale 0401 761 111
Vitale Fine Properties 9385 0777