THE Chook loves a home with a good backstory.

This Fremantle property doesn’t disappoint and was built in 1860 by American immigrant William Jose as a warehouse with an adjoining grocery shop and family home for his wife and five kids.

After Jose died in 1875 the property was bequeathed to his daughter Matilda, and it became a private residence around 1889.

In 1997 it was added to the state heritage register as a rare example of a corner shop with living quarters from the late 19th century.

Fast forward to 2022 and 26-28 Norfolk Street is a gorgeous five bedroom 2.5 bathroom home split over two levels with classy heritage features including limestone walls, exposed beams and vintage fireplaces.

Actually two adjoining homes, it’s perfect for a multi-generational family or someone who wants to live in one property and rent out the other.

It also has city centre zoning, so there’s the option to make it a  hospitality or retail space, office/consulting rooms or short stay accommodation.

The home has a lot of formal and informal lounges and the Chook fell in love with the ‘red’ one. With deep red paint on the walls, a period fireplace, thick lush drapes and a Chesterfield couch, it looks like something out of a painting or a scene from Poirot.

It really is a cosy cracker and the perfect spot to enjoy a nice glass of red with your other half.

The other main lounge is the completely opposite, but equally impressive.

White walls, soaring ceilings and exposed beams make this an airy delight with plenty of natural light flooding through the massive windows. If the other lounge is a cosy port-sipping den, this is a bright salon where you would enjoy high tea and scones.

Having an alfresco meal would be a complete joy in this property.

The outside dining table is located under the super wide balcony with views of the gorgeous back garden, which is beautifully designed with lots of pavers, limestone, lush plants and trees. It has that secret garden feel with loads of shady arbours and nooks.

The home includes two kitchens, two formal lounges and two smaller informal ones, study, music room, studio and cellar.

There’s plenty of heritage features including original jarrah floors and staircases, verandas at the front and rear, and a pressed tin ceiling in the kitchen.

Situated on a 540sqm lot in the heart of Fremantle, everything is at your fingertips and you’ll never be short of things to do.

This is a lovely property with loads of character.

Home open tomorrow (Sunday June 12) 12pm-12:30pm
26-28 Norfolk Street, Fremantle
dethridgeGROVES 9336 1166
Agent Michael Harris 0434 076 229