74 Fortescue Street, East Fremantle WA 6158

Trace the history: from the jarrah floors and arched timber detailing of the 1930s to a
modern kitchen and an unexpected extra living space with French doors to an enchanted garden. Welcome to a character cottage that has evolved over the decades with plenty of personality.

The giant old peppermint tree on the verge is a gnarled landmark outside the white picket fence, and inside, surrounded by limestone garden beds, there is ample paved parking in addition to the carport. The traditional veranda is a lovely place to sit, with leadlight windows hinting at the character within. Floors are jarrah, and the original timber architraves everywhere add warmth to the interior. Off the central hallway are two bedrooms with double-hung sash windows - one has a working fireplace and the other a wall of built-in-robes. A third bedroom has a built-in desk and would work well as a study, and the bathroom features a curved jarrah vanity, bath and separate toilet.

Renewed in neutral tones, the kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a Siemens dishwasher, and looks out to the back courtyard. The original Metters stove adds a quirky touch to the dining room, with 30's style timber features dividing the room from the living area below. Surrounded by glass, this sunroom space opens to a north-facing paved alfresco with a spectacular jacaranda tree and handy garden shed.

Yet another outdoor area comes as the real surprise: behind the kitchen, a delightful living room opens through French doors to an enchanting deck and garden. This is a lovely setting for outdoor dining, surrounded by a high white picket fence lined with olives, citrus and a magnificent Illawarra flame tree.

With very little through traffic, it's nice and peaceful here, yet it's easily central with great access to transport and shopping, and close to the river, George Street and downtown Freo.
There's a great sense of community in this desirable neighbourhood, blessed with lots of trees and birds, and lined with character homes, including this cottage with its captivating secret garden.

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom 2 cars

• 1930s character cottage in quiet leafy street
• Jarrah floors, leadlights, original interior timber detailing
• North-facing sunroom plus second living area
• Carport plus extensive paved off-street parking
• Reverse cycle ducted aircon, ceiling fans, working fireplace
• Beautiful walled garden for outdoor dining: deck, olives, citrus
• Raised veggie beds, garden shed, security alarm
• Peaceful but central location near shopping and transport