Tuckfield Street (near the Fremantle Arts Centre) and Fremantle heritage go hand-in-hand so I knew this three-bedroom home was going to be something special.

But nothing prepared me for what lay beyond the thick limestone walls of this lovely three-bedroom cottage, sitting on 491sqm in the heart of Freo’s arts centre precinct.

The first inkling came after viewing the two street-facing bedrooms as I checked out the central lounge.

The roaring fire in the gorgeous art deco fireplace had me fooled and it took a second look to realise it was gas-fired.

Stepping into the cavernous kitchen, mein host greeted me and I discovered it was none other than Ali, who’d previously run the Lebanese restaurant The Cedar Tree, where I’d had many an enjoyable lunch.

With a chef and a belly-dancer/photographer/designer in the house it’s no wonder this kitchen is both practical and artistic, with lovely terracotta tiled floors, interesting antique cupboards and granite benches.

I was pretty impressed already, but things kept getting better.

The gargantuan extension flowing off the kitchen is reminiscent of 1001 Arabian Nights, with aged terracotta tiled floors, timber ceiling, gorgeous lanterns and an amazing outdoor kitchen, with a built-in Japanese barbeque that looks a bit like a solid iron Webber, and huge stainless steel benchtops.

Close the mammoth, timber-framed bifold doors and this is an indoor space, open them and it’s part of the outdoors.

To one side of this stunning living space, is the vendor’s dance studio, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors lining the walls, a separate entry through lovely leadlight doors, and a commodious office.

Moving on there’s a lovely granny-flat at the rear of the property, and a shed with a full-sized cool-room, currently used as a wine cellar, as it needs re-gassing.

Tuckfield Street is lined with delightful and interesting homes, none more so than this one.

It’s right on Fremantle’s doorstep, and mere metres from the arts centre, pool, and John Curtin College of the Arts.

by JENNY D’ANGER

11 Tuckfield St, Fremantle
Auction July 20, 11.30am
Luca Di Nunzio | 0407 388 608
Harcourts, Fremantle | 9335 8411