TWO things always trigger memories of a great camping trip north: The sound of white cockatoos and driving down Minilya Avenue, in White Gum Valley.
We’d camped the night at Minilya bridge, erecting our tent at dusk to a cacophony of cockies.
It was magical being so far from city lights, and at the beginning of a grand adventure.
I’ve never forgotten the feel of the place nor its smell of eucalyptus from sun-warmed trees at the end of a hot day.
This Minilya Ave home, sitting on 400sqm, has its own magic that isn’t at first apparent from the street.
It was magical being so far from city lights, and at the beginning of a grand adventure.
If a couple of cockies had been calling I may have felt even more nostalgic in the native front garden, with its huge grass tree and limestone terraces.
I’m always surprised the avenue, sporting ocean views, hasn’t been “discovered” by developers. Thank heavens for small mercies.
Part of its appeal is its modest homes, mostly on large blocks, and an abundance of mature trees.
This three-bedroom cottage has been stripped back to its bare bones and rebuilt from the stumps to its iron roof.
Gorgeous blackbutt floors flow throughout, and what would once have been a series of small rooms is now a spacious open dining/living/kitchen, flooded with light from many windows, including full-length ones onto a deck.
The brand-new kitchen must be a delight to work in, with good preparation spaces and plenty of storage, including a couple of pantries in a lovely soft-hued Tasmania oak.
The dining area has views across the valley to the ocean. Step onto the timbered deck and the view opens up to encompass Rottnest and Garden Islands.
With its corrugated tin roof and wood-panelled sides alfresco dining would have to be a must almost year round in this tranquil spot.
There’s room in the recently landscaped garden for the kids to run, and lawn for them to kick a ball.
And when the weather’s inclement there’s always the copious space under the house for the nippers to play—if dad doesn’t get in first and store all his boys toys there. But there is a shed.
You can walk to the Hilton shops from here, or jump on a bus on South Street and you’re in Fremantle, or at South Beach, in minutes.
And of course there’s a fantastic local cafe mere metres from the front gate of this delightful cottage—right next to a deli should you need milk and the paper in the morning.
by JENNY D’ANGER
25 Minilya Avenue,
White Gum Valley
from $695,000
Jordan Marshall
0438 298 100
Ross Marshall
0409 298 100
Locate Real Estate
9335 9007