THE old maxim never judge a book by its cover came to mind as I stepped into this home on Stevens Street, Fremantle.
It looks a tad run down from the outside—the wrought-iron balustrade topping the limestone retaining wall certainly needs a bit of love, or at least paint.
However, there’s a terrific ‘50s beach house feel, and once inside this weatherboard semi-detached you’ll discover oodles of Freo charm.
Winter sun floods the enclosed front verandah when I rock up, and I can easily imagine spending a pleasant hour or two here with a book—after waving goodbye to the kids as they stroll across the road to school.
This classic semi has that long, central hall most of us are familiar with, white-painted timber dado and rich jarrah floors.
It leads to a central lounge/living area, where a couple of oversized windows let in plenty of light, while the white-painted timber ceiling and an open-fire place ensure a snugly ambience.
This room has been morphed into the spacious dining/kitchen area to create the open-plan space demanded by today’s lifestyle.
Pine ceilings, a timber dado and benchtops give the long, lean kitchen a pleasant country feel, enhanced by a massive, silver, pressed-tin wall backing the bench and stove.
For a bit of alfresco dining step through the white, bifold French doors and you’ll find yourself in a pleasant, albeit small, walled garden.
The timbered deck is just the spot for relaxing or entertaining.
And to stock up on provisions for the hordes you couldn’t do better than slip out the gate onto a rear lane to Wray Avenue to grab fruit and veg from Galati’s or steak for the barbie from Frank the butcher, a short stroll away.
If cooking is too hard there’s quite a few choices of cafes and a small bar almost on the doorstep.
And if you overdo it and need medical assistance Fremantle Hospital is even closer.
by JENNY D’ANGER
5 Stevens St, Fremantle
$765,000
Denise Muir |0419 932 302
Mark Brophy Real Estate | 9335 9800