IN 1900 the owner of this grand Perth property advertised in the daily newspaper for a domestic – promising “a good home will be provided”.

Given the sheer size of the federation mansion, one hopes there were more staff in those pre-Dyson days.

In a nod to the past, the maid’s room is still at the rear of this sprawling four-bedroom/two-bathroom house.

For more than 100 years the Lake Street property was a doctor’s surgery/family home.

The current owner’s father was one of three doctors who worked and lived there.

“I was here as a child and came back in 1989, and have lived here ever since,” she says.

Married to restaurant entrepreneur Harry Ferrante (Four Seasons and Romano’s) the home was a hop, skip and a jump from his renowned Northbridge eateries.

Walking into the grand entrance with its unusual and stunning gothic arch is like stepping back in time, with soaring 4.2 metre ceilings and gorgeous decorative roses.

Throughout the home, carpets cover aged, mellow-looking jarrah floorboards.

The suite of rooms that made up the surgery, on the Brisbane Terrace side of the 645sqm property, are now a granny flat.

But it’s unlike any I’ve seen with a grand bedroom, separate sitting room and french doors opening onto an alfresco.

Stepping over a hatch, which provides access to a huge cellar, you’ll discover yourself in an elegant sitting room, beside an equally impressive dining room and massive kitchen.

The grape vine cornicing in these rooms is magnificently decadent.

At the rear of the home, you could almost touch the city skyline from the sweeping terrace alfresco.

Off the basement garage there’s a massive games room which has a billiard table included in the sale.

There have been a number of alterations over the home’s 120 years, and there’s no denying it needs more, especially the bathrooms.

But it will be money well spent for a grand lifestyle.

By JENNY D’ANGER

203 Lake Street, Perth
EOI
Craig and Penny Brosnan 0408 950 574
Harcourts City Central