STEPPING off the wrap-around verandah and into the hall of this Hilton home, you could almost hear the whispered stories of lives lived there.

Judging by the eclectic mix of newer homes up and down the street, when this limestone cottage was built the surrounding area was probably agricultural, possibly dairy or market gardens.

The street was named for James Gallop — the great-great-grandfather of former Labor premier (and one time Freo councillor) Geoff — who’d built Fremantle’s Kings Theatre, now the Metropolis nightclub, and Gallop house in Dalkeith.

Which makes this little cottage, sitting on a handy 400sqm, a potted slice of WA’s history.

High ceilings, deep skirting, ceiling roses and rich jarrah floors attest to its vintage, and there’s a fireplace in the lounge room.

Large families were common when this home was built, and one wonders where they all fitted. No doubt mum and dad had the street-facing bedroom, while the second bedroom would have been for the girls, and the sleep-out for the boys.

Central to any home, even more so 100 years ago, is the kitchen and this one is a huge space, thoroughly modernised with plenty of cupboards, including a cute ‘50s one with lovely pastel-frosted birds etched on the glass doors.

The home is in immaculate condition,and new owners could simply move in and enjoy a low maintenance lifestyle, but there’s plenty of scope to set your own stamp, starting with the outdoors.

The small rear garden is stark to say the least, with a swathe of paving, the original toilet, and a barren raised garden bed. There’s scope to turn the austere front yard into a lush and welcoming courtyard I reckon.

The Hilton shopping precinct is a short walk away, as are a couple of local cafes, and schools.

by JENNY D’ANGER

5 Gallop Street, Hilton
$620,000
Sue Rayner | 0416 160 094
Pulse Realty | 9310 1600
open Sat Feb 13, 12–12.30