TINY Bateman Street, running along the western end of Monument Hill, is pedigree old-money Fremantle, none more so than this mouthwatering abode.
It’s obvious this was the home of someone of standing in the community, attested to by its many dignified rooms, ceiling roses and fireplaces, and the stunning, arched stained glass surround of the front door.
What was already an expansive home has been added onto to create a palatial four-bedroom abode that reflects its heritage, while moving with the times.
Two sitting rooms, formal dining and a stylish contemporary kitchen, with a walk-in pantry/scullery ensure room for all the family.
When the vendors moved in the carpet was brand new and they didn’t have the heart to pull it up to reveal aged jarrah floors.
The carpet still looks immaculate, but the temptation to reveal the beauty underneath will tempt new owners.
The kitchen is a magnificent mix of old and new, with lovely marble tops, including a huge island, and soft-close drawers, all naturally lit thanks to a sloping skylight overhead.
The dining and lounge rooms have french doors onto a timber verandah with stunning views across Fremantle and the harbour to Garden Island.
The main bedroom gazes serenely at the green slopes of Monument Hill and its golden sandstone cenotaph: a very short walk for the Anzac dawn service.
A young boy and his dad were at the home open when the Herald rocked up, and the little bloke’s eyes widened as the agent peeled back a section of boards in the front verandah to reveal stairs leading down into darkness.
With the flick of a switch a limestone room appeared and we all piled down to check out a temperate space that’s part storage, part wine cellar.
Fronting the home is a lovely paved courtyard garden, no doubt a pleasant spot to soak up some sun in the winter.
The three ground-floor bedrooms are all spacious, and one has french doors to a lower verandah, which in turn leads down to a lower secret garden.
This delightful space is presided over by a massive fig tree, which looked a great climbing tree for youngsters.
And having succumbed to temptation I can vouch for the deliciousness of the fruit.
This state heritage-listed home is within walking distance to Fremantle and John Curtin College of the Arts, and is just off a main bus route.
by JENNY D’ANGER
9 Bateman Street, Fremantle
$1.950 million
Mary Burns | 0413 749 944
dethridgeGROVES
Real Estate | 9336 1166
home open Sat March 12, 11–11.45am
