Beyond the stone and tuckpointed brick façade lies an extraordinary residence of architectural mastery with sweeping port views in the distance. A striking contrast of old meets new is hidden within against an infusion of eclectic design highlights that makes this home so undeniably ‘Freo,’ with every inch of this 430m2 site accounted for. This location is exceptional too, walk to the Arts Centre for a concert and picnic beneath the stars, enjoy a short stroll to the river, ride your bike to the beach within minutes or wander further into the town centre for a bite to eat or drink from a range of eateries.
Built circa 1901, “Dunwiley Villa” sits amongst a colourful streetscape with a classic bullnose veranda that opens up to elegant period charm. Exceptionally high ceilings create a wonderful sense of space, accentuated by the ornate archways, lovely Jarrah floorboards, leadlight windows and intricate ceiling roses. Three bedrooms extend down the hallway, two with original fireplaces, while the master domain has built-in robes and a luxurious ensuite. The family bathroom has a large deep-soak bathtub, with clever loft space above for additional storage or use as a creative’s workspace.
Bringing industrial-inspired design to the forefront by the design duo owners, the stunning extension unfolds to the best in contemporary and sustainable living with a flawless interaction to the outdoors. There’s the solar passive orientation capturing gentle breezes and natural northern light, a grey water and rainwater system in use, solar panels, and the brilliant use of raw materials with timber, steel and concrete elements.
NSW blackbutt floorboards flow throughout the open-plan layout with ducted air-conditioning above for year-round comfort. The kitchen features raw concrete ‘Corrian’ benchtops, maxi-ply cabinetry, stainless steel splashbacks, a skylight strip, Miele appliances and a roomy butler’s pantry combined with the laundry (which opens out to a private drying courtyard). The spiral staircase rises to the re-purposed shipping container level, a sentimental nod to this harbourside city and its rich history. It offers a quiet sitting space, yoga room or study (with an a/c unit) to take in the stunning port vistas while tucked into the corner below, more stairs lead to the basement space ideal for a home office, hobby room or even a wine cellar.
The biophilic design of this home centres around the majestic Oriental Plain tree which flourishes with a shady canopy of greenery in the warmer months. It creates a magical ‘treehouse’ feel (accentuated by the container perched high above it all), embraced by the Cedar stacker doors you’ll want to open up at every opportunity. Terraced gardens with ‘sitting height’ walls, lush greenery, limestone, Corten accents and recycled timber beam cut-offs (rescued from the old South Perth jetty) collaborate to make this garden oasis a private and unique sanctuary. There’s also an outdoor shower to rinse off after the beach and handy side gate access to the street or secure garage.
Beyond the original cottage, further period details continue to be honoured in the contemporary renewals. There’s the heritage limestone wall (from the Fremantle Dairy) built into the garden setting and the old laundry trough and outhouse (complete with a working toilet) incorporated into the double garage – with future scope for a studio conversion and an EV battery ready system. Completing this home is an additional off-street parking bay with CCTV.
From the iconic architectural design to the rich history preserved within and highly walkable location to anything you need – it’s rare to find a home as special as this which so beautifully captures the essence of everything ‘Freo.’
Features Include: – 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 cars – Stone & tuckpointed brick cottage built circa 1901 – Period elegance effortlessly infused with industrial-inspired design – Character features; sweeping high ceilings, intricate ceiling roses & archways, Jarrah floorboards, original fireplaces – Biophilic design, solar passive orientation, sustainable features; grey water & 6000l rainwater system, solar panels – Open-plan layout, north-facing terraced gardens, majestic ‘Oriental Plain’ tree – Re-purposed shipping container level, basement space, loft storage – Double lock-up garage with additional off-street parking space – Ducted air-conditioning above kitchen, a/c unit, CCTV – Close to shops, cafes, restaurants, public transport, Fremantle Arts Centre – Walk or ride to Fremantle, nearby beaches & the river within minutes
