THERE are more than 200 types of pelargoniums so it’s no surprise I didn’t recognise a couple of particularly lovely ones colouring up the garden of this 1890s gem on Solomon Street.

Thanks to a fellow gardner’s generosity they’ll be brightening my garden soon.

It was love at first sight when the vendor saw this three-bedroom home some years ago, and I can see why.

Set high on the block the bull-nose verandah gazes serenely over the street–through a riot of colourful plants.

Fremantle’s historic architectural charm and character is embodied in this gorgeous home, with its jarrah floors, sash windows, fire places and ceiling roses–and thick limestone walls keep things cool

The original lounge room is a buffer between old and new, a charming light-filled room, with french doors to the garden.

Cool slate meets jarrah in the kitchen, where a bank of white-painted timber windows overlook a gorgeous garden.

Rich red/brown jarrah tops the many crisp-white drawers and cupboards and there’s a huge pantry.

With a rose-covered alfresco area set amid a captivating garden, dining with nature would have to be a must.

And a huge aged lilac tree had my inner-child wanting to climb amongst its greenery.

Off the kitchen/dining area a white-timbered ceiling adds a delightful ambience to a study, but I’d find the french doors onto the garden a distraction from serious work.

When a former owner added a second storey (in mellow aged brick), they cleverly glassed in the stairs making the huge mezzanine a private space for a bedroom, with a balcony looking out across tree tops to the ocean.

With a heap of windows it would also make a great artist studio.

Solomon Street offers an enviable Freo lifestyle with cafe strips and South Beach in walking distance.

Or jump on the CAT bus and you’re in the CBD in no time.

by JENNY D’ANGER

162 Solomon Street, Fremantle
from $1.225 million
Mary Burns
0413 749 94
dethridgeGROVES Real Estate
9336 1166
open 1–1.45pm
Sunday November 22.