19 Wesley St, South Fremantle WA 6162

A tall, rustic wall of limestone and brick faces one of South Fremantle's most charming historic streets. Sheltered behind is a unique contemporary home constructed in warm natural materials, and designed by award-winning Perth architect Simon Anderson. The original industrial façade belonged to the bakery formerly on the site, and now incorporates steel gates offering green glimpses of the beautifully-designed landscaping framing the home.

A striking antique timber and iron door leads through to the light-filled, air-conditioned open-plan. It flows north to outdoor dining by flowing water in the “creekbed”, and two more rooms to the west and east also wrap around the courtyard, creating an inside-outside feeling. It is a home of unusual serenity and ease, with carefully chosen deciduous plantings affording shelter in summer and welcome sun in winter. A bedroom, bathroom and spacious living room located together at the front of the home offer the opportunity for privacy and separation, and the north-facing room secluded at the rear is an ideal studio space, third living area or fourth bedroom.

Delightful green outlooks are everywhere: from the ornamental grapevine over the alfresco dining to the crepe myrtle, ornamental pear and plum in the courtyard, and the three skylights over the kitchen/dining area looking up to next door's Chinese tallow changing through the seasons. Effective natural temperature control is another advantage of the skylights, opened in summer to release the warm air. The kitchen is lovely, with timber veneer cabinetry, engineered stone tops and glass splashbacks, and the simple elegance of the two new bathrooms includes concrete-style porcelain tiling, bronze-toned tapware, frameless glass showers and a stylish freestanding bath. Courtyard outlooks through plantation shutters give an open feeling to the upstairs bedrooms, which feature ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and built-in-robes. Northern light from high windows illuminates a spacious study zone and built-in desk on the landing.