THIS drop dead gorgeous home started out as a duplex in the 1940s and was built for sisters who clearly got on well.
When the current owners moved in 20 years ago, local architect Richard Hammond worked serious magic to create a four-bedroom/two-bathroom home with large open spaces, without compromising its art deco style.
The main bedroom is a generous space overlooking the attractive front garden.
It still has its original fireplace, but also features modern walk-in-robes and is en suite.
One of the front doors now leads to a home office, and curved walls in the kitchen/family room are a nod to the building’s 1940s heritage.
The owners aren’t scared of bold colours and the wall shielding the kitchen is red, contrasting with rich blue on the opposite wall.
The wife says her favourite room is the street-facing formal lounge, where old sailing ships are frozen in plaster in the decorative ceiling.
“It’s so calm,” she says.
Her hubby’s favourite is the huge kitchen, which features a sweep of benchtops and is flanked by an informal lounge and dining room.
“I like a kitchen where you get to cook and talk to people and they don’t get in your way,” he said.
I imagine the spacious walk-in-pantry and massive 900mm cooker would make cooking a breeze.
A drop-down ladder leads to a large play-room under the eaves. “When our children were young it was a Leggo space, then an art room.”
The classy al fresco has terracotta tiles on the rear verandah and a grape-vine covered pergola, all framed by a delightful garden.
Dichondra grass is soft underfoot, but tough enough for the kids to play cricket.
Laid out in Mandela-inspired circles are a series of lush vegetable patches, amid lovely garden beds, a pond with water lilies and a massive liquid amber tree.
A studio at the rear of the garden was originally a teenage pad, “and a space for three rock bands to rehearse,” the owners say.
And with 1012sqm, there’s still room for a stylish chook run.
Over time the house has been flexible enough for the changing needs of growing kids.
“We’ll be sad to go, but it is time to let someone else appreciate what the house has to offer.”
by JENNY D’ANGER
15 Fortescue Street, East Fremantle
$1.495 million
Linda Digby
0402 122 267
dethridgeGROVES Real Estate
