A TUG boat was slowly towing a laden barge down the river, a couple of canoeists glided past on the North Fremantle side, small craft zipped by like erratic water boatmen and water birds wheeled above.
I could see why the vendors of this three-bedroom home sit on the expansive timber balcony for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and many times in between.
“Shipping News, here I come,” I thought, taking in the view of the port and out to the ocean where ships were moored in Gage Roads, or slowly heading south before a sharp left turn sets them on course for the east coast.
North Fremantle architect Tom Roberts designed this timber and iron home on its elevated block to fit into its heritage surroundings, and the result is a delightful modern abode at ease with its neighbours.
The lovely stained-glass front door opens onto a massive living/dining/kitchen, with jarrah floors underfoot and designer-crafted jarrah cupboards in the kitchen and dining area.
Windows the size of an ocean liner bring the views inside, not to mention plenty of light.
The vendor spends many an hour watching bird life darting in and out of the soft feathery casuarina tree outside the dining area window.
The tree enhances the harbour, river and bridge view, rather than detracts from it, she says.
The kitchen is a stunner, with acres of glowing timber and a magnificent overhead jarrah rack, suspended on massive iron chains. The stove (with its double extractor fan) has been alcoved, creating even more storage, and as if there’s not enough already there’s a walk-in pantry.
Front facing bedrooms (one currently a study) have beautiful plantation shutter doors onto a brick-paved front verandah, allowing cooling breezes to waft in.
The third bedroom has pull-down stairs to a loft, where a mouthwatering 21 storage cupboards line the walls of this expansive space.
The vendors owned a bus when the house was designed, so the garage was tailored to fit, resulting in a cavernous space with a towering ceiling.
An adjacent storage area is plumbed with gas and water, so turning part of the garage into a teenage retreat, guest suite or man cave would barely make a dent in its vastness.
Cottage gardens, lush with a variety plantings, and several soaring trees add a stunning finishing touch to this gorgeous home, sitting on 650sqm.
by JENNY D’ANGER
12 Bolton Street, East Fremantle
offers close Nov 16, 4pm
Emma Powell—0405 704 528
Caporn Young