11A Fairlight Street, Mosman Park WA 6012

Tranquil transformation: historic cottage extended

Wandering down the long recycled brick path bordered by a low hedge, you wonder what you’ll discover at the end – and it is a very beautiful surprise. A picture-perfect white weatherboard early 20th century cottage has been transformed and extended with simple elegance and understated flair. Stroll to the beach in one direction and to the river in another.

Come home to flowing white-walled spaces, jarrah floors, expansive east-facing master suite, second loft living area and open-plan living wrapping around the deck and garden. Vehicle access to the double garage is from the laneway, or if you’re walking back from the beach, you can wash off the sand in the outdoor shower before stepping inside.

The traditional exterior of wide veranda and leadlight front door leads to two original bedrooms. Beyond, the transformation begins with a new ‘link’ space where a wall of white-painted timber and glass concertina doors stacks open to the elevated jarrah deck at the rear. The original Metters stove in an impressive timber surround with the exposed brick of the original fireplace adds historic texture to the clean white spaces. The generous open-plan living also flows to the deck and garden from the north, and the kitchen is beautiful: engineered marble tops, deep butler’s sinks, big stainless steel range, extensive storage and fine tapware.

Lit by a wall of windows to the east, the master bedroom features a walk-in-robe and lovely bathroom – with the engineered marble and traditional tapware used throughout. Those fine finishes continue in the main bathroom and the laundry, and that consistency of quality materials adds a sense of tranquillity to the interior design.

Up the jarrah stairs from the living space, a large high-ceilinged loft room offers many possibilities: second living area, gym, office or studio. Lit by Velux skylights and big triangular windows, it looks down on the garden and the surrounding trees. The double garage, on O’Halloran Lane, has garden access as well as direct entry to the home, and offers additional storage space.

The intelligent transformation that has been achieved here respects and celebrates the origins of the historic timber cottage, while creating a simply luxurious home with a fresh, open atmosphere between the river and the ocean.

• Light-filled transformation
• Extension of a historic cottage
• High-ceilinged white interiors
• Jarrah floorboards, indoor-outdoor flow
• Expansive master suite
• Additional loft living space
• Beautiful kitchen and bathrooms: engineered marble, fine finishes
• Rear access from laneway to double garage
• Wraps around rear deck and garden, lit, reticulated and surrounded by trees
• Zoned reverse cycle air-conditioning
• Secluded atmosphere a walk away from beach and river
• Beach, riverside walks, close to train and Glyde Street precinct

Council Rates: $2,313.00 per annum (approx)
Water Rates: $816.35 per annum (approx)