THERE seems an inordinate number of bedrooms for a cottage, I thought, wandering through this timber-clad Blinco Street beauty.

Given the classic white picket fence I’d expected cuteness, but on a modest scale, so my expectations were challenged: there are four bedrooms, all double, two have lovely bay windows overlooking the sheltered front garden and one has french doors opening to the wonderfully wild rear garden.

None have ensuites, but there’s scope to create one out of what is currently a store room off a front bedroom.

Like many turn-of-the-century Fremantle homes this has a mix of oregon and jarrah on the floors, with the addition of wandoo (white gum) announcing the latest extension.

What was originally a central lounge has all the elements of its vintage, although the old fireplace has been converted into a tile-fire.

These days the lounge forms part of a sweeping open plan, complete with bleached timber ceiling and a huge old oregon beam.

French doors off the lounge lead to a pleasant courtyard on the western side, while french doors off the dining area take you to the covered alfresco area.

Meal preparation is no bother in the generous kitchen with its jarrah bench tops.

The old Metters will warm up these wintry days, while a bank of white-timber windows ensure plenty of northern light.

Currently wearing its winter foliage the garden is a palette of green, but come spring a profusion of colour will arrive in the wilderness, dominated by a massive jacaranda.

Tucked in a lush corner is a claw-foot bath and an outdoor shower.

Central Fremantle is so close you could walk there in five minutes, and there’s no shortage of great schools, shops and cafes equally close by.

And when it comes to the ANZAC dawn service, just roll out of bed and you’re at the monument before you realise you’re awake.

by JENNY D’ANGER

4A Blinco Street, Fremantle
from $899,000
Connie Handcock
0411 115 147
Keryth Cattalini
0414 098 648
Caporn Young
9335 5977