Outstanding Architectural Significance | A Victorian-Era Icon
With origins dating back to the late 1890s, this iconic Victorian-era beauty – whose founding owner was the street’s namesake, Dr Henry Calvert Barnett - is one of Fremantle’s most outstanding and architecturally significant homes. Classic brick & stone construction, sweeping bullnose verandas and elegant stately interiors define its alluring charisma.
As the magnificent landmark into one of Freo’s most historical streetscapes, this fully restored property, with its recognisable singular turret, sits proudly upon an elevated corner-block where welcoming sea-breezes flow throughout its double-sided veranda while leafy green trees offer privacy, shade and gentle birdsong to enjoy.
It’s hard to imagine this grand old dame had been purchased to accommodate storage for the then grocery chain Freecorns Pty Ltd in the 60s. Thankfully, the home was resurrected due to the foresight of the then Federal Opposition spokesman on Education John Dawkins, and his wife Kate, who took ownership in the 80s and undertook an extensive restoration program on the property.
Today, this effortless family home continues to thrive via its most recent owners who have continued to honour its remarkable features.
Sky-high ceilings, grand majestic windows, original skirting boards & cornices, jarrah floors and reimagined living spaces have all been tastefully updated in a bespoke interior fit-out which is truly breathtaking. Influences of country-estate glamour alongside modern, neutral interiors define its designer appeal.
Striped soft metallic wallpaper encasing the grand entrance foyer simply pops against an over-sized Art-Deco style, grey-and-white alabaster pendant light, while the master bedroom continues with the theme, adopting Hollywood-style glamour with heavy satin drapes and a crystal chandelier. A modern double-vanity ensuite, with a grand ceiling-to-floor window overlooking the courtyard, includes a contemporary free-standing bath, frameless walk-in shower and modern comforts like heated towel rails and ceiling lamp. With the ubiquitous turret above, the cozy library or formal lounge room features classic bay windows, heavy linen drapes and an original fireplace conjuring thoughts of after-dinner card games and a bar-cart replete with top-shelf delights.
The open plan living, kitchen and dining mixes touches of romance with practical living. Rich demask wallpaper and sheer metallic drapes are offset by a modernist wall unit of dark timber veneer and glossy earthy-hued cabinetry. Neutral coastal hues are also seen in the kitchen cabinetry and island bench where quality Miele appliances (induction & gas stove tops; twin oven & dishwasher) are featured throughout. A handy door to the veranda and garage gate adds to its practical appeal.
The remaining secondary bedrooms – all extending off the generously wide hallway (conveniently fitted with sensor lighting) - are delightfully spacious, some fitted with truffle-hued carpets & built-in-robes - and share a modern bathroom which doubles as a powder-room.
At the rear of the home, a surprise addition of a sunny sitting-room maximises tranquil garden and courtyard aesthetics via two (double aspect) French doors (which also lead to a discreet drying court from the laundry).
Serene, enchanting and peaceful, the vast gardens are a magical study of provincial influences and leafy green beauty. A pretty bird-bath water feature, an arched limestone wall adorned in manicured vine, recycled Freo brick paving, agapanthus throughout and Liquid Amber, jacaranda, magnolia and fig trees, emanate feelings of pure Zen.
With its prime location at the heart of Fremantle – along with Fremantle Park at the end of the street, excellent schools nearby and public transport aplenty – this unique dwelling is ready to be received by its new custodians where it will offer a truly unique lifestyle within a close-knit community – all within minutes from the beach and Freo’s iconic harbour-side attractions.
- Stunning Victorian-era architecture (circa late 1890s) - Founding owner & street’s namesake - Dr Henry Calvert Barnett - Brick & stone construction; dressed limestone rubble with brick quoins (exterior); red brick trim around windows - Fremantle Society & National Trust’s “Purple” classification: a building of outstanding & unusual character & architectural significance - Elevated (large) corner block location - Sweeping encircling verandah; corrugated iron bullnose porch; corner turret; iron lace decoration (NB: bullnose portion & part of roof replaced in 2015) - Extra-heigh ceilings; original skirting boards & cornices - Wide jarrah floors & plush truffle-hued carpets - Sash windows - Grand entrance foyer; Art Deco-style grey & white alabaster pendant light; luxury wall treatments - Open plan living, kitchen & dining; custom designed built-in wall unit; luxe damask wallpaper & subtle metallic window drapes; two designer drum pendant lights - Modern kitchen; Miele appliances throughout; stone-top island bench with integrated power-board & dishwasher - Luxuriously appointed master suite; built-in-robes; fireplace; double vanity ensuite; frameless walk-in shower; heated towel rails; heated ceiling lamp - Stately library or formal lounge; bay window; fireplace; built-in storage - Sunny rear sitting room or garden room; French doors; courtyard access - Modest rear laundry with drying court access - Built-in-robes in some secondary bedrooms - North-facing courtyard & patio; recycled Fremantle brick paving - Quality linen and satin window drapes throughout - Ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning - Downlighting in common areas - Sensor lighting in hallway - Stunning feature pendant lighting & chandeliers throughout - Fully reticulated gardens (several garden & courtyard areas); water fountain - Crimsafe security screens on doors & windows + locks - Useful storage below verandah - Several lockable (street front) gates to garden entrance - Tandem carport parking (up to 2 vehicles); direct access to kitchen entrance via key-pad gate - Fremantle Park & John Curtin College of the Arts at end of street - Walk to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour & surrounding attractions (Freo Markets, cafes, bars, retail & wellness) - 4-minute drive Galati & Sons; 7-minute drive Peaches Fresh & South Fremantle IGA - 8-minute drive Woolworths Fremantle - 4-minute drive to Bather’s Beach - 3-minute drive to Fremantle train station - Regular bus service via High Street - 7-minute walk to CBC College - 6-minute walk St Patrick’s Primary School
Council Rates: Approx $2,521 per annum Water Rates: Approx $1,317 per annum
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