COACH-builder Ruben Johnson built this heritage delight in 1898, selling it six years later to Captain George Francis.
Despite being at sea for months at a time the captain sired 13 children, although just six survived—five girls and a boy.
The girls were named for flowers but Pansy was no shrinking violet.
In a time when well-bred young women did needlework she carved the lovely fireplaces and mantlepieces that grace this home.
This six-bedroom abode won a heritage award in 1996 and remains a showpiece today, with its beautiful blue and white facade and delicate-looking iron-lace work.
Baltic pine floors, high ceilings and ceiling roses and fireplaces feature throughout the original part of the home.
Serene
Thick limestone walls and double glazing on South Street (including a lovely stained glass door-surround), and a super thick front door ensure inside is as serene today as it was 100 years ago. (Well, as quiet as six kids can be).
The wrap-around verandah offers street as well as garden views, and is a great spot to enjoy winter sunshine, or escape summer heat.
Five bedrooms and a formal lounge are accessed off the grand central hall.
A sixth bedroom is part of a two-room studio created in the former stables of this 804sqm plot.
A modern(ish) extension is a huge open area where a swag of windows and a floor-to-ceiling bay window ensure plenty of light.
The capacious kitchen is as mouth-watering as the dishes that must get whipped up here, with acres of granite benchtops, including a generous island bench.
There’s a Gaggenau oven and stove top, with a built-in-griller and deep fryer—you don’t go to that much trouble and expense unless you really love cooking.
The main bathroom is the size of a ballroom, with a gorgeous, arched stained glass window over the claw-foot bath.
A lush, overgrown garden offers outdoor delights, including a swimming pool converted into a wetland, with a flotilla of water lillies.
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Fremantle history. And if you wanted to share it it’s a great dwelling for short-term accommodation, especially the stable conversion, which has its own street access.
by JENNY D’ANGER
79 South Street,
Fremantle
$1.550m
Ross Marshall
0409 298 100
Locate Real Estate
9335 9007