THE nocturnal fishing forays of Pacific herons kicked off the review of this Keeling Way, South Fremantle home.
An impressive ‘moat’ full of goldfish and aquatic plants sparked the discussion, with the agent thinking the high front wall would stop the graceful thieves from pilfering the pond.
Long and lean, the waterway stretches across the front of this elegant home, with a timber “drawbridge” giving access to the front door.
Masses of floor-to-ceiling glass, white-painted timber and limestone walls feature throughout this amazing four-bedroom abode, designed by architect Ralph Drexel for builder Tony Borrello as his family home.
Invisible
As you step into the entry vestibule, light floods in from a dozen directions, and a glass lift is invisible as it soars past windows to the second-level living area.
The ground floor is given over to two of the bedrooms, a bathroom, and a generous living area, with access to a lovely courtyard overlooking Hollis Park.
Golden timber stairs lead to the second floor, and an amazing open living/dining/kitchen area nestled under a soaring cathedral ceiling.
The huge kitchen is tucked behind a circular wall, which is in fact the walk-in-pantry.
Brown-toned caesar stone benchtops and jarrah floors add a sense of warmth to the crisp white of the kitchen cupboards, drawers and walls.
The vendors had the gas-fired “coal” fire blazing a warm welcome on a cold old morning, and set in a natural limestone wall it looked amazing.
Floor-to-ceiling bifold doors lead out to a timber-decked alfresco area with parkland views and ocean glimpses.
The main bedroom is on this level, a huge space with walk-in-robes and a stylish ensuite with marble vanity. (There’s one in the downstairs bathroom too).
Expect magic in this beautifully designed home where a door leads to a third-level kids bedroom straight out of a fairy tale, with a cute peaked white-timber ceiling and a spacious play area.
I’m not sure if the “viewing” deck is for the kids or the grownups, but a wall of glass opens onto it for gorgeous ocean views seen across a swathe of green parkland.
Which of course means South Beach is a short walk away, as are a number of cafes and restaurants.
by JENNY D’ANGER
21 Keeling Way, South Fremantle
$1,950,000
Mark Brophy
0403 382 555
Mark Brophy Real Estate
9335 9800