I WAS already rather well disposed toward this ultra-modern home on Arundel Street. Then I walked into the ensuite on the third level.
“Oh my lord,” I gasped to the agent standing smugly on the balcony by shutters he’d rolled back, waiting for my reaction.
There’s something magical about a semi-outdoor bathroom, especially at this height.
Even with the glass-bifold doors closed the view from the loo seems to go on forever, over Freo roof tops and pine trees on the Esplanade, to Rottnest Island and the ocean, to the horizon.
I was so carried away by the idea of soaking in a deep bathtub open to the elements, I almost jumped in fully clothed.
This three-bedroom abode, and its neighbour, were created out of the old warehouse of former Oceania Trading wine merchants.
The front section is now a bottle shop selling quality wines and designer beers.
The uber-modern home retains industrial accoutrements including massive steel RSJ holding up the ceiling and a super-high red brick wall that creates a private courtyard.
From the entry and massive open-plan living/dining/kitchen, to the main bedroom on the third level, this is a stunning place to call home.
Golden Tassie oak floors shine underfoot, while super-high ceilings and many windows ensure there’s plenty of light.
The kitchen has beautiful black granite bench tops, including an island bench.
The stone is shot with chunky white seams, which reminded me of the stones in Merlin’s cave, beneath King Arthur’s alleged birthplace Tintagel, in Cornwall (I’d liked them so much I’d risked overweight luggage and slipped a few in my bag).
Acres of space, Smeg appliances and a double pantry make the rest of the kitchen mouth-watering too.
The second level holds two of the three bedrooms, a generous sitting room and the second bathroom.
Keep climbing and the main suite is cavernous, with room for a couple of couches and a king-sized bed, not to mention huge windows with great views, and a walk-in-robe/dressing room.
The neighbouring property is similar, but without that “wow!” factor bathroom.
But it does have the original 1928 wine storage—a row of deep, concrete vats that once housed bulk wine waiting to be bottled.
If climbing three flights of stairs at bedtime is daunting there’s room to install a lift, but according to the Heart Foundation stairs add years to your life.
But then again so does walking and living this close to Fremantle’s CBD and you can get plenty of that, with no effort.
by JENNY D’ANGER
3/27 Arundel St, Fremantle
From $1.25m
Glen O’Connor-Smith
0413 545 044
Rikki Harrison
0451 533 878
Acton Fremantle |9319 3022
open Sat (June 15) 1–1.45pm