Dating from the 1880s, this beautiful heritage property very close to the city has been in the same family for around 100 years. On a large block of 1426sqm on the side of Mount Melville, it is a significant building consisting of two adjoining, though separate, residences – a main home and an addition built in the late 1920s in a similar style. Incorporating fine architectural features reflecting the Victorian era, the building has been remarkably well preserved and in more recent years, extended to house modern facilities. Occupying an elevated site, the imposing building takes in panoramic views from Mount Clarence, over town, to the port and marina, and around to Princess Royal Harbour and Torndirrup. High ceilings, jarrah floors, timber doors and sash windows, deep skirtings, leadlight panels and open fireplaces feature in both homes. Number 178 Grey Street West is the original house. It comprises a generous lounge, two bedrooms and the laundry in the old part. The newer section at the rear houses a big bedroom with an en suite shower room, a second bathroom and a modern kitchen with an adjoining dining space, where glazed doors open onto a sheltered rear deck. The second home, number 180, consists of two bedrooms in the original part and in an extension added later, an open living room with a slate floor and a wood fire, a dining room, compact kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Both homes are built of brick with iron roofs and number 178 has a classic veranda with ornate details. The building is set off at the front by terraced lawns and flowering shrubs, and there’s an area of flat lawn at the back, along with reticulated garden beds. At the back is a three-bay carport. The property has a Category C heritage listing for its Federation Queen Anne styling and its occupation by influential Albany families in the late 19th century. It is also protected by the City of Albany’s Historic Town Design Policy, which preserves the character of the streetscape. The block it occupies is currently being subdivided so any settlement will be subject to the issue of a new certificate of title which is in progress. This is an exceptional property, a fine example of early Albany homes with impressive accommodation options and only 500m from York Street.
What you need to know: - 1880s heritage-listed home and 1920s home adjoining - Brick and iron construction - Original jarrah floors, high ceilings, timber sash windows, fireplaces - Panoramic views to Mount Clarence, town, Princess Royal Harbour, Torndirrup - In same family for around a century - Homes have been upgraded for more modern facilities - 1426sqm block - Lawns, reticulated garden beds - Carport - Undercroft workshop - 500m to York Street - Council rates $9963.27 - Water rates $3128.26