OVER the years this 1895 cottage has had several occupants, many of them renters, including the widowed Ms Brimscoll in 1902.

One wonders what Brimscoll’s life was like in 1900s Fremantle, with no pensions and limited opportunities for women to work.

Perhaps she kept chickens and grew vegetables at this South Terrace cottage to supplement a meagre income.

With three bedrooms she may have taken in lodgers, as so many did at the time.

Jarrah floors

Peel back layers of render and paint and you’ll find a solid old limestone house underneath, much like the one next door at 162, which is why it’s on Fremantle council’s heritage register.

But many of the home’s original features have been removed, including the fireplaces, and the old jarrah floors were recently overlaid with brand new floating timber.

At the rear of the home is a kitchen so new not a single sausage, or toasted sandwich has splashed oil onto the cooker.

And nothing has sullied the pristine white cupboards, tall pantry, or drawers.

The house was rewired prior to going on the market, and there’s a plethora of power points in almost every room.

Often in older homes the bathroom elicits a shudder, but this one is sparkling new, with white wall tiles, soft-grey tiles under foot and a splash of red on one wall for a bit of excitement.

A raised garden is low maintenance and there is a paved area for alfresco dining, protected by colourful shade sails, and a patch of faux grass and hardy plants.

With parking for six cars, including two in the garage, this dwelling would make ideal professional suites (subject to council approval).

Or move in and embrace the inner city lifestyle.

Fremantle’s CBD is literally a five minute walk away, and there’s a small bar even closer, not to mention the vibrant Wray Avenue around the corner.

by JENNY D’ANGER

160 South Terrace, Fremantle
auction Saturday April 8, 10.30am
Peter Halton
0419 910 225
Harcourts Blue