IF walls could talk this Fremantle cottage’s 125 years would fill a tome the likes of War and Peace, and while it may not have the grandeur of Tolstoy’s Prince Nikolai Andreitch Bolkonsky no doubt passions ran high, love was won and lost and hearts were broken and mended.

Did any of its previous inhabitants serve in perhaps the Boer or Great War? Perhaps there was a dalliance with a GI when the yanks were to be found in mobs on port city streets during WWII?

Built in 1891 the very walls of this three-bedroom abode breathe stories, none more so than a central bedroom, where I’m sure I sensed the presence of a happy spirit in the aged jarrah floors, skillion ceiling and casement window overlooking the garden.

Set below the street, the house is like a series of steps with the main bedroom and lounge at the front.

Worn jarrah stairs show the smooth wear from generations of feet that tramped down to the kitchen/dining area, with its sloping ceiling and rough-bagged limestone walls.

Despite its old-world feel the kitchen is well fit for today’s needs, with a 900mm cooker, dishwasher drawer and an interesting bank of pantry cupboards that at first glance look like a wall.

Step through the french doors and you’re in a lovely private courtyard, with high walls for privacy, making it just the shot for alfresco entertaining, or simply reading the paper over Sunday brunch.

The bathroom is cute, with french doors onto a small courtyard, where you’ll find a bath and shower.

The ghosts of tenants’ past may be a little shocked at the idea of outdoor bathing, but with high walls and plenty of greenery, they’ll be the only ones.

The subdivided 238sqm block has carport parking for two cars, but this close to a swag of shops and cafes and with Fremantle in walking distance you may want to do the environment a favour and ditch one.

by JENNY D’ANGER

70 Attfield Street, Fremantle
from $819,000
Gail Jenkins 0412 106 959
Mark Brophy Estate Agents
9335 9800