THE original occupant of this classic 1899 Fremantle home was Miss Josephine Baillie.

Records show she was a dressmaker, conjuring up images of a spinster hand stitching the billowing dresses of the day by candle light.

Or perhaps she had one of the first treadle sewing machines to be shipped to the Swan River colony.

The 1882 arrival of a shipment of Singer sewing machines was big news, making it into the Daily News.

More than 100 years on, the charm of this semi-detached Howard Street home is still evident, but it also caters for a 21st century lifestyle.

Thick limestone walls keep things cool in summer, and there’s a sweep of jarrah floors, high ceilings and deep skirting.

The front verandah offers tranquil street views, framed by a small, neat garden and lawn.

The loft addition has created a spacious second-level bedroom with a walk-in-robe, and there’s skylights in the soaring pitched roof.

The formal lounge faces the street and has a lovely 19th-century tiled surround, set into a cast iron fire place.

Crisp-white cupboards and black touches complement the contemporary spacious kitchen, which has a triple, pull-out pantry.

An arched doorway leads to a cosy family room with a lovely terracotta-tiled floor.

Nearby is a small office/study and the second bathroom.

Lush, tranquil and peaceful, the rear garden defies the home’s proximity to Fremantle’s CBD and South Terrace.

High, vine-covered walls and a huge bauhinia (butterfly) tree, cast dappled sunlight onto the alfresco.

Originally used to keep perishables cool, the cellar is the perfect spot to store your wine.

This three-bedroom home is a mere five minute walk from Fremantle’s CBD, and the Wray Avenue shopping strip is even closer.

by JENNY D’ANGER

29 Howard Street, Fremantle
from $1.05 million
Mark Brophy
0403 382 555
Mark Brophy Real Estate
9335 9800