EAST FREMANTLE, with its many grand historic homes and riverside mansions is a sought-after town to live in. But the area most people ask about is Plympton ward.

The narrow corridor bounded by East Street, Stirling Highway, Marmion Street and Canning Highway is hot property these days.

Which is ironic because in the ‘60s and ‘70s today’s delightfully restored homes were looked down on as working-class timber-framed hovels, more likely to be bulldozed than renovated. Low property values of the day stopped most from bothering: it didn’t seem worth the money. The low prices made the place a drawcard for young families who, unable to afford to rebuild, put their efforts into renovation and restoration instead.

Thank heavens is all I can say.

“Plympton is sought-after for its walk-ability to shops and cafes,” the agent says.

But just one look at this gorgeous timber cottage on Sewell Street and you know it’s not the cafes and boutiques lining nearby George Street that are its main attraction.

Sitting on 506sqm this delightful four-bedroom/two-bathroom home has bucketloads of appeal for today’s family, thanks to the skill of local architect Jill Birt (whose other claim to fame is as a member of the Triffids).

The original weatherboard cottage was extended some years ago but Birt’s magic touch has made it as fresh and modern as if it was built yesterday.

The original central lounge has been retained but opened up, creating a genteel space for relaxing, but the real heart of this home is in the light-filled extension.

Two walls are floor-to-ceiling bifold doors opening onto a covered deck and patio.

Pull them back and the outdoors comes flooding in. And with a north-facing aspect you get all the gorgeous spring sunshine, and none of the glaring summer sun.

The spacious kitchen has everything today’s chefs hanker for, with plenty of lovely marble bench tops, including an island/breakfast bar, a walk-in-pantry and a pull out one and a 900mm stainless steel oven.

Three of the bedrooms are in the original section of the house, while a fourth is tucked under the eaves on the second level, with a Juliet balcony that gazes across leafy East Fremantle.

With stainless steel floors and walls in the ensuite, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve walked into the bathroom aboard a yacht.

With East Fremantle primary school at the top of the road, and John Curtin College of the Arts a mere stroll away this is the perfect family home.

The lovely East Fremantle foreshore nearby, and of course the George Street strip with its boutiques and cafes is almost in your back yard.

70 Sewell Street, East Fremantle
$1.3 million
Simone Glover 0417 977 525
Mint Real Estate 9339 7777