13 Thomas Street, SOUTH FREMANTLE

A cul-de-sac with a walking path to the beach at the end of the street, a big backyard of trees and birdsong, and a feeling of peace and seclusion – you might be relaxing somewhere down south, but here you are a stroll away from the vibrant South Freo streetlife. You can also enjoy the authentic atmosphere of an 1890s home sensitively restored, with the classic simplicity of thick limestone walls, jarrah floors, and high ceilings. The home's traditional position at the front of the block means that the outdoor spaces at the rear are wonderfully generous, with room for dining, relaxing, growing veggies, and playing in the cubby perched in the gnarled old olive tree. It's rare to find an historic stone home so unspoiled, and updated in a way that's true to the spirit of the place. A hedge lines the veranda, and the leadlight front door is spanned by tall double-hung sash windows, with tuckpointed brick quoins framing the limestone walls. Inside, the floors are the wide jarrah planks typical of the home's early history. Two large, gracious, front bedrooms open from the arched hallway, both with built-in robes, and the white-painted timber ceilings and Oregon internal doors add texture and atmosphere. The hallway opens out to the living room, where built-in cabinetry surrounds the fireplace, and you can step out to the wraparound veranda to the north. Off the living room is another spacious bedroom, with the plantation shutters that are a feature of the home. Beyond, the long kitchen/dining space is a delight, with Shaker-style cabinetry, aggregate stone benchtops, and fine appliances. Multi-paned windows all around bring the outside in, looking to the northern veranda and out to the backyard to watch the kids at play. Alongside is the charming blue and white bathroom, with laundry incorporated. Outside is all the enchantment of an expansive secret garden: walls of stone and timber, and a series of dining and relaxation areas over two levels. A shady bower, lawn, tall trees, open views to the sky, raised veggie beds, a cubby and a garden shed – the birds love it, and the frogs and bobtails feel right at home too. South Freo is a fabulous place to live: restaurants, great bakeries, galleries, shopping, and the big blue ocean. This serene and much-loved historic home and garden is a very special way to join the neighbourhood. • Early limestone home, enchanting leafy gardens • No-through-road with walking path to South Beach • Wide jarrah boards, high ceilings, large rooms • White-painted timber ceilings, original Oregon doors • Living room opens north to wraparound veranda • Authentic atmosphere, sympathetic updates • Fremantle Heritage Award-winning restoration • Lovely modern kitchen with garden outlooks • Plantation shutters, reverse cycle aircon, good storage • Very quiet, cool in summer within thick stone walls • Series of outdoor relaxation spaces, tall trees, birds • Lawn, veggie gardens, cubby in massive old olive tree • Sense of seclusion, but easy stroll to South Freo street life