8 Swanbourne Street, Fremantle WA 6160

HERITAGE JEWEL OPPOSITE MONUMENT HILL

In 1897, one of Fremantle’s most prominent figures - John Blinco, built this stately home just across from Monument Hill Memorial Reserve where it remained in the family’s ancestral line until the 80s.

Zoned R25 with the potential to sub-divide subject to council approval.

Restored to honour the integrity of its Victorian/Georgian design, the new owner embraced a passionate quest to bring the home back to its former glory by completing all renovations by hand – inclusive of a rear extension, conservatory and enormous garden workshop.

Magnificent high ceilings, a grand hallway statement, original timber mantles, jarrah floors and sweeping bullnose verandas underscore an historical era for this brick and limestone beauty.

Every last detail down to the solid timber doors – perfectly retained to expose their unique deep-set graining details and original artwork – breathtaking antique (fireplace) mantles revealing rare and exquisite woodworking, and decorative ceiling roses collectively offset extra-wide skirting boards and generous sash windows - each fitted with wrought iron window grilles and framed in traditional brick and stone quoining.

Enjoyed as the sitting room at the front of the home, its deep rich interior of burgundy hues frames plantation shutters, an open fire and brass picture rails conjuring images of historical artworks adorning the walls alongside plush and regal furnishings.

Clad in chic metallic wall paint, the grand central hallway – anchored by a dramatic feature arch - extends to two spacious bedrooms, each with fireplaces, antique light fittings, plantation shutters and ceiling fans which assist with airflow streaming-in from connecting verandas and garden views beyond.

Enjoying tranquil elevation into an orchard of fruit trees, grape vines and winding brick pathways, the rear kitchen includes an original Metters stove, along with modern upgrades of track-lighting, granite benchtops, an AEG oven and 4-burner stove – while beneath is a limestone-clad wine cellar and loads of extra storage.

It’s from here where the inviting extension begins, starting with a sunny conservatory – awash in northern light and gothic geometric window design, synonymous with the Freo “Klopper” style – along with access to verandas either side, and a spa-like bathroom-zone where a new-age dome-like shower & tub accompanies a separate toilet/powder room.

Across its spacious floorplan is plumbing and a wall recess pre-installed for a sauna and spa bath, while beneath on the ground level is a generous laundry– fit for garden-party supplies, extra storage and an ironing/airing station under slate flooring.

The rear garden is a symphony of enchanting zones featuring limestone benches & courtyards and a medley of fruit trees including lemon, lime, fig, passionfruit, orange, mulberry & paw paw, plus a macadamia tree and olive trees at the front. An original (sealed) wishing well, barbecue platform, water feature, cubby house and aviary surely invite hours of child’s play and joyful relaxation beneath the trees and birdsong.

Representing a significant era in Fremantle’s history, this splendid property is within walking distance to East Fremantle Primary School, John Curtin College of the Arts, abundant cafes, grocers and amenities and mere minutes to the harbour and beaches.

The potential to make this home shine once again, is endless - and with the right owner, this glorious abode will be re-established as one of the jewels in Fremantle’s vibrant community.

• Built in 1897 by historically significant identity, John Blinco
• Unobstructed views across to Monument Hill Memorial Reserve
• Presenting classic Victorian/Georgian architecture
• Solid brick & limestone construction; meticulously restored & renovated
• Traditional bullnose verandas & decorative wrought iron balustrading
• Original jarrah floors, solid timber doors, wide skirting boards, brass light switches & decorative ceiling roses
• High ceilings, wide grand-scale hallway & feature arch
• Sash windows & wrought iron window grilles
• Original fireplaces and antique timber mantles
• Rear extension; conservatory & bathroom with allowances for spa & sauna
• Below floor limestone wine cellar & storage
• Ceiling fans; plantation shutters
• Security mesh at front door
• Huge rear workshop & ground floor laundry
• Enchanting rear garden; several sitting areas, artificial turf enclosure, outdoor shower, aviary, cubby house; water feature & fruit trees
• Double carport & extra driveway tandem parking
• Flagpole at front
• Walking distance to East Fremantle Primary School, John Curtin College of the Arts, cafes, grocers, the river & popular beaches

Council Rates: $1,888.18 per annum (approx)
Water Rates: $1,159.63 per annum (approx)