A CANTONMENT is a military or police quarters, so it’s a pretty sure bet Cantonment Street in Fremantle won its name from the military presence on nearby Cantonment Hill in the early 1900s.

The word is derived from the French canton, for district, or corner, and this elegant apartment sits smack-bang on the corner of Parry Street: a canton on Cantonment?

When it comes to location does it get any better than this? From the wrap-around balcony you can see the port’s passenger terminal, and the heritage-listed Australia Hotel, or wander to the Cantonment Street side and you’re looking over Princess May Park.

Which means living here it’s a very short stroll to the popular Clancy’s Fish Pub, and you won’t break a sweat walking to Fremantle’s main drag.

A compact, whisper-quiet lift whisked the agent and I to the first-floor to step into the generous foyer of this three-bedroom apartment.

The bedrooms are off a long hall, including the commodious main “suite”, where a huge room opens onto a cute balcony, and you’ll find a spacious walk-in robe and a generous ensuite, complete with spa, separate shower and double vanities.

Unlike many apartments this has a proper laundry, complete with a drying court.

A glass wall curls around the arc of the huge open-plan living area, which is circled by a marble terrace, a great spot to enjoy a bit of outdoor ambience in the heart of the city, where a street tree peeks enticingly over the balustrade.

Automatic curtains in the living area come down to shut the world out, but I’d be leaving them open because there’s always something to see on Fremantle’s lively streets.

The galley-style kitchen has a sweep of bench space, along with timber-fronted cupboards and drawers, and a walk-in pantry.

There are two secure car bays and a storeroom on the ground floor, but living this close to the CBD and the train station the car might gather cobwebs.

by JENNY D’ANGER

1/74 Cantonment Street, Fremantle
mid $900,000s
Daryl Cook 0400 209 894
Abode Real Estate 9385 3377