19 Scott Street, South Fremantle WA 6162

In this seaside neighbourhood, most historic homes sit on the streetfront, but this one is highly unusual: positioned high on the block in leafy seclusion, above long and rambling gardens full of birdsong. Owned by only two families in nearly a hundred years, it retains a gracious original air, while offering the modern comforts of sympathetic renovation. High ceilings, large rooms and leadlights are among the historic features, and the north-facing front porch is a delightful spot to read, relax, do some birdwatching, and enjoy the garden. The bakery is on the corner; local cafes and shopping are at the end of the street, and strolling out for a swim can be part of your everyday. If you want to look out to sea as well as swim in it, you can add a second level for endless ocean and island views.

Behind the front wall, masses of greenery create a screen of privacy, and a path leads up through the treed garden to the porch. An antique French glass door marks the entry to the lobby, and a beautifully spacious north-facing sitting room embraces the green outlook through leadlight windows. The generous scale of the home continues in the long dining room, which flows to a big family kitchen in blue and white, with extensive cabinetry all around. Nearby is the grand high-ceilinged bathroom, with Federation tiling, pedestal basin and clawfoot bath.

The master bedroom enjoys the northern garden outlook, and the adjacent en-suite, lit by a big skylight, features lovely blue-painted timber cabinetry. There is dual access from the en-suite through to a flexible long room for studio, office, or a second living area for teenagers or guests. That space flows to a second bedroom, and a third bedroom looks out to the back garden. There, wisteria is creeping up the pergola over the outdoor dining area, and beyond is more lush greenery with productive plantings (pomegranate, lemon, grapefruit, lime and olives). There’s a big renovated laundry, a chook run and room for a pool.

Given it has changed hands only once since 1924, there will be much curiosity and interest in seeing this very special home and rambling gardens, as well as dreams of the panoramic views that would unfold from a second-storey (STCA).

• Elevated 1924 home secluded behind extensive gardens
• Opportunity to build up for sweeping ocean views
• Quiet and very private, full of birds
• North-facing, cool in summer, warm in winter
• Large gracious rooms, high ceilings, timber floors, leadlights
• Very spacious dining room flows to charming family kitchen
• Living and master bedroom both with northern aspect
• Delightful front porch, and outdoor dining in rear garden
• Flexible layout for teen retreat or working from home
• Kitchen incorporates piece by glass artist Elizabeth Maverick
• Chook run, shed, fruit trees, room for pool
• Ducted evaporative air-con, gas bayonets, western windows UV treated
• Walk to the beach, cafes, salons, shopping, Cat bus nearby


Council rates: $2,139.92 per annum (approx)
Water rates: $1,339.00 per annum (approx)


Deposit: $75,000 on the fall of the hammer
Settlement: 30, 45 or 60 days