Anywhere in East Fremantle is a much sought after address these days, but in the ‘60s the town had a split personality.
Strangely, houses closest to Fremantle on streets like Hubble, Sewell and King were the poorest of the poor, workers’ cottages no-one would give you a thank you for.
Just streets away, houses such as this Dalgety Street home had old-money elegance and style.
This gracious 1920s home has retained all the hallmarks of its vintage, including a stained-glass front door and surrounds, gorgeous jarrah floors, sash windows, fireplaces and wonderfully decorative ceilings.
A gracious formal lounge has a beautiful timber fireplace and French doors and full-length sash windows onto the wrap-around verandah.
But while some things stay the same, some change—for starters there’s a sparkling blue pool in the front garden.
It’s overlooked by a front verandah that’s been extended and roofed to create a lovely alfresco dining area.
Where once no doubt the ladies took afternoon tea, a new generation will be sipping chardonnay or margaritas after a refreshing dip.
Then there’s the kick-arse, over-sized light fittings throughout. They are both works of art and a statement of grandeur in one.
But the biggest change is the rear extension, which brings this four-bedroom home into the 21st century—without impacting on its heritage.
This massive open-plan living area has banks of bifold doors on either side, giving access to the pool, or a rear verandah overlooking the extensive rear garden of this 1089sqm property.
The spacious kitchen is stunning in white, including an island bench, where the creamy-white Italian marble is so gorgeous and smooth, stroking it becomes irresistible.
Then there’s the soft-closing drawers, and a pantry so big it has bifold doors.
All four bedrooms are double, but as to be expected the main is bigger, has ensuite—and overlooks the lovely front garden with its bank of camellias so old they are veritable trees.
In reality there are five bedrooms, although I’d have never known if the pull-down ladder hadn’t extended.
Not one to shirk my reviewing duties, but with some trepidation, I ascended. To find a quirky loft bedroom and a huge cupboard under the eaves. Kids will love it.
Off the rear verandah you’ll find a studio and office, a swathe of grass for the kids to play cricket and a cute weatherboard garden shed.
There is so much to this home it’s well worth checking out for yourself.
by JENNY D’ANGER
65 Dalgety Street, East Fremantle
POI
Stefanie Dobro | 0409 229 115
Caporn Young | 9335 5977