The rain was so heavy it was like driving underwater as I headed to this Harvest Road, North Fremantle home.

At one point I wondered if I’d taken a wrong turn, missed the bridge and ended up in the river.

The rain let up a smidge as I scurried up the front steps of the  verandah to claps of thunder.

“There has to be a stormy weather equivalent to ‘mad dogs and Englishmen’ going out in the midday sun,” I muttered, wondering what lunacy had me out in such weather.

Any other day I’d have taken stock of the street view from the spacious, elevated verandah—I did briefly pause to note a nice little park across the road before diving inside.

With the handsome lead-light door shutting out the weather I was instantly in awe of the gorgeous early art deco fittings, including plenty of lead-light doors and windows, pictures rails, original light switches, and lovely jarrah floors.

The street-facing main bedroom ceiling is a magnificent artwork of deco-style banksias.

And the formal lounge has its original classic-period green glass lights, a set overhead and two either side of the open fire.

A formal dining room connects the lounge to the kitchen, but it could easily become a third bedroom as there’s room in the rear extension for a dining/family room.

The kitchen is like stepping back in time—but with lots of modern goodies.

The original Metters wood stove is still there, and the terracotta tiled floor adds an old worlde charm.

But a swag of pristine white cupboards and bench tops, and of course a five-burner stove and oven, bring this spacious domain up to the 21st century.

A bank of doors off the dining area lead to a covered patio and a lovely “wilderness” garden, complete with a cute picket fence—and the picturesque heritage-listed loo.

For pursuits beyond the home, the foreshore is a short stroll away and you’re spoilt for choice with shops and cafes a short walk, or drive away.

by JENNY D’ANGER

1/17 Harvest Road, North Fremantle
$859,000
John Alberti | 0411 117 196
Raz Alberti | 0415 407 002