HOW does a $15 million mansion in northern Queensland stack up against a rammed earth cottage in South Fremantle? Pretty well according to online real estate magazine Domain, which had this Dale Street home as the only WA entry in its Best Homes for Sale in Australia section recently.
The charming three-bedroom home exudes character from every angle, with soaring rammed earth walls inside and out, sweeps of glass in massive steel frames, and a gloriously pitched roof adding a fairytale touch.
Climb to the third level to find a magical timber gabled attic spanning the entire home. With bedroom nooks both ends and a huge play area in the middle, it’s sure to fire imaginative play in any kid lucky enough to call this home.
And when they outgrow kiddie games simply add a sofa, tellie and “keep out” signs and, hey presto, teenage pad.
The ground level meanwhile has something for everyone in the family, including two living areas.
Golden hued timber ceilings, with cute criss-cross noggins for support, add a gorgeous ambience to the open-plan living/dining/kitchen.
Soaring arched windows, set with bands of colour add a jewel-like glow, and light floods the entire area thanks to a northern orientation—and a wall of steel and glass onto an expansive timber deck.
High fencing ensures this is a protected area, and a great spot for alfresco entertaining, or Sunday lazing in this glorious autumn weather.
The newly renovated kitchen, accesses up a couple of steps off the living area, ensures feeding the masses is no biggie, with a sweep of caesar stone bench tops and a heap of drawers and cupboards.
With floor-to-ceiling glass making up two walls, the rear sitting room would make a great artist’s studio, or a tranquil reading room, backdropped by a pleasant little garden, with its raised garden beds and mature trees.
The bedrooms are on the middle level, all double and with built-in robes, although the front one is larger, and has a wall of glass overlooking the street.
Once the rear of Swan Hardware (the nursery I seem to recall) this delightful enclave of homes has the ambience of a village, complete with its own delightful pocket park.
Dale Street is a stone’s throw from South Freo’s cafe strip and a short walk from the city centre, and Beaconsfield primary school is just up the road.
And of course living just off Lilly Street gives you automatic entry into the annual Lilly Street lasagne bake-off.
Polish off the lasagne tray and start working on your recipe.
by JENNY D’ANGER
5 Dale Street, South Fremantle
$1.180 million
Mary Burns 0413 749 944
dethridgeGROVES
Real Estate 9336 1166
Open 12-12.45pm
Sunday April 26, 2015
