Live a short walk from both the river and sea in this delightful North Fremantle cottage, an enviable property that can lay claim to location, lifestyle, character and history.
On Thompson Road in North Fremantle's historic warehouse district, just behind the iconic Dingo Flour Mill, the three bedroom, two bathroom house offers easy access to both Leighton Beach and the Swan River, with a private local walking path nearby that leads to the river.
Built in 1897, the limestone and iron worker's cottage is part of an original duplex build, with its symmetrical façade an attractive example of classic Victorian Georgian architecture. The cottage changed occupants several times until the 1920s, when it was bought by the newly built Great Southern Roller Flour Mills - now known as the famous and still operational Dingo Flour Mill. The house was used as the flour company's offices for more than 20 years, along with the cottage next door, and later as storerooms. The flour mill's railway spur line rain through the mill building, ending in the backyard of the duplex.
At one stage the front bedroom was a workroom for local seamstresses, who worked on sewing delicate silks all day. Eventually, with a renovation and addition, the house was turned back into a residential property.
Now, 77B Thompson Road is a welcoming character home perfect for modern-day coastal living on a street that offers ease and convenience. The timeless façade features painted limestone walls, a simple but pretty front garden, with a limestone wall and fence covered in lush jasmine, and a classic corrugated iron roof that extends over a timber veranda, a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the cooling breezes of the Fremantle Doctor.
A handsome leadlight entry with timber and leadlight front door opens up onto a generously proportioned front hall with picture lines, high skirting boards and detailed archways with ornate corbels. The home's original jarrah floors are one of its standout features. Beautifully restored while maintaining their worn and weathered appeal, they add to the warmth and authentic fabric of the home.
The three front rooms of the cottage are original. At the front is the first bedroom, its tall sash window giving an outlook across the little but lush front garden. The security grills on the window were handwrought from iron by a local craftsman and designed to be as pretty as they are functional. This bedroom has a handsome timber fireplace with period tiling and a four door robe.
Another generously sized bedroom sits alongside, this one also with a robe and timber fireplace. A tall window here takes in the northern light through a long breezeway path along the side of the house.
The hallway flows into a comfortable family room that was once the original cottage's former kitchen and meals. A chimney where an old Metters stove once cooked meals now holds a beautiful wood and iron fireplace that is the centerpiece of the room. The high ceilings are accented by a ceiling rose and picture lines while French doors open up onto the brick-paved side garden.
At the back of the home is the open-plan kitchen and dining, part of a later extension. The dining space hints at an industrial style, with tiled floors and white-painted timber beams that add texture without feeling heavy. A stunning wrought iron and reclaimed jarrah staircase winds upstairs to the third bedroom and main suite.
A truly delightful main bedroom retreat, this mezzanine level was recently thoughtfully extended and renovated by the current owner; creating a larger and more practical space with additional room for a desk or reading chair. Light-filled and airy, with raking ceilings and white Plantation shutters to the windows, the main bedroom has new Tasmanian floorboards, a split-system air-conditioning system and a generously sized walk-in robe.
A private balcony is a charming surprise. Wrapped in jasmine and grapevine and overlooking the pretty rear gardens, it makes a perfect spot to start the day before heading down to the beach. The light-filled modern ensuite has been fully renovated and features a free-standing bath, a stunning encaustic style feature wall, a large shower and a vanity with plenty of storage space.
The bright and light kitchen is a great size and has plenty of storage and benchtop space for entertainers who love to cook up a storm. Timber framed windows and doors overlook the beautiful and private rear courtyard garden, where beautiful limestone and recycled brick walls are softened by lush plantings of frangipani, bougainvillea and jasmine. This is an ideal spot for entertainers to enjoy a wine with friends before heading inside for dinner - or to a nearby restaurant. Foodies will appreciate the many renowned café, bars and restaurants close to the home, including Bib & Tucker, The Orange Box, Jessie's, MRKT Space, Habitue, Wise Child Wine Store, Propeller, Flipside Burgers, Mrs Brown Bar and Mojo's. The house is also within easy reach of North Fremantle Primary School, North Fremantle Social Farm, childcare, gyms, medical facilities and popular local stores, including Wise Child Wine Store and The Black Truffle.
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and separation between the main suite and the other bedrooms, the home has good versatility and would suit professional couples, singles, downsizers, young families, retirees or investors.
The courtyard garden has direct access to the secure single garage, accessed off quiet Eucla Court. There is also driveway parking for an additional car, edged by mature lemon trees. There is a storeroom off the courtyard, and additional storage space in the garage.
FEATURES:
• Secure garage parking off Eucla Court
• Original Great Southern Roller Flour Mills residence
• Jarrah floorboards, hand-made wrought iron features and ornate ceiling cornices
• Separate master suite rear extension
• Low-maintenance lock and leave home
This is a lovely, eye-catching home that will be snapped up quickly - come and see for yourself.
Rates & Local Information:
Water Rates: $1381.36 (2021/22)
City of Fremantle Council Rates: $2460.44 (2021/22)
Zoning: R25
Primary School: North Fremantle Primary School
Secondary School: John Curtin College of the Arts, Fremantle College, Melville Senior High School & Shenton College.
Heritage Listed: Municipal Inventory Level 3
For more information please contact Sarah Bourke on 0474 310 500.
*PLEASE NOTE while every effort has been made to ensure the given information is correct at the time of listing, this information is provided for reference only and is subject to change.
This property at 77B Thompson Road, North Fremantle is a three bedroom, two bathroom house sold by Sarah Bourke at Mint Real Estate - East Fremantle on 18 Mar 2022.
Looking to buy a similar property in the area? View other three bedroom properties for sale in North Fremantle or see other recently sold properties in North Fremantle.
North Fremantle is a mixed-use suburb within the City of Fremantle that was settled in the 1850s. Its three square kilometre land area is used for residential, industrial and commercial purposes. The suburb enjoys enviable views of the Swan River to the east and south, as well as views of the Indian Ocean to the west. North Fremantle's landscape is characterised by both modern and heritage architecture.
A beach-side lifestyle is enjoyed in North Fremantle, with Leighton Beach, Port Beach and Harvey Beach all accessible. Adding to the coastal appeal are the restaurants that line the sands of the beaches offering breathtaking views over great food day and night. Local night spots include the popular Mojo's Bar and Railway Hotel. Other features are the North Fremantle Bowling Club, North Fremantle Train Station and North Fremantle Primary School.