THE moment I passed the original garage, walked through the gate and onto the smooth black tiles, I noticed that the completely redeveloped home behind was a hidden treasure.
Surrounded by a lush garden, birds singing and the cold morning breeze blowing up Darling Street, looking up to the cabin-like house was like being in a documentary about hidden getaways.
From the front a rustic limestone wall, angled roof, timber and tin are the elegant architectural work of Keith Cameron-Brown.
Textures
The stone and timber continue as you walk through the front door, where many windows bring in beautiful morning light and highlight their interesting mix of textures.
A few steps to the right and you are in the kitchen surrounded by marvellous cedar windows.
With high ceilings and slick black Caesarstone bench tops this is roomy enough to have help in the kitchen. There is plenty of bench space to work on and a large Ariston oven perfect for baking homemade cakes and sending delicious scents throughout the house.
Downstairs also features a cosy living area with more of the limestone and timber, a laundry which leads out to a tiled area where the home’s original tin shed still stands.
The “real” outdoor area has a modern eco-feel about it, with the decked alfresco area overlooking a small patch of grass and a beautiful Norfolk pine tree, while shelving has been built into the timber fence and a couple of architecturally designed seats could double as the funkiest bus shelters ever.
Overlooking it all was a balcony with a beautiful mix of brown timber and blue window and door frames which gave a natural, yet modern feel that made me want check out what was upstairs.
Going upstairs was no disappointment, as the white-walled, tassie oak stairway seemed to be taking me to another land and lifting a weight from my shoulders.
It led to an open area which the vendors use as a study area where work would no doubt have been done in delight and with a clear head.
The second floor also includes the main bedroom with an ensuite, walk-in-robe and lightly coloured walls.
Minutes from the centre of Fremantle this is a perfect home for a small but busy family who want to return to their private retreat after a long day.
by MEAGAN BARRETT
17 Darling Street, White Gum Valley
Offers over $700,000
Tracey Foster
0414 862 440
Foster’s Real Estate
9397 2525