Real life reno: Tuscan inspired Perth palace

Larissa Gardner
4 min read

A home of impressive scale and grandeur that wouldn’t look out of place on a Tuscan hillside sits overlooking the Swan River at 12 Gibraltar Way, East Perth.

A unique buying opportunity to say the least, the palatial four-level mansion undertook extensive renovations using the finest materials and finishes sourced from all over the world.

 For sale: 12 Gibraltar Way, East Perth, WA For sale: 12 Gibraltar Way, East Perth, WA

Kerry Simpson and her husband decided to renovate their home a few years ago because it was looking dated inside and out. They felt a home in such a commanding position at the opening of Claisebrook Cove right on the water’s edge needed a façade to mirror its premium positioning.

They also aimed to modernise the layout and make the most of the spectacular setting. ‘On the inside, more needed to be done to open the house up and enhance the amazing river and park views’, Kerry explains.

The project took 18 months where the home was completely gutted inside and out and stripped back down to the concrete.

All windows and balustrades were replaced and decorative mouldings and render were added to the exterior ‘to give the house a totally new look’, Kerry says.

In terms of style they settled on a Tuscan theme because the home already had features that leant itself towards this grandiose look and being so close to the water the location feels very Mediterranean. Kerry tells us she’s ‘always been inspired by the look of Tuscan villas in Italy’ and wanted to emulate that romantic feel in her home.

Externally they enhanced the Tuscan theme by using a rich and earthy coloured render, sandstone mouldings, bronze wrought iron and rumbled stonework. ‘I do feel we were able to capture that luxurious Mediterranean feel beautifully’, Kerry says.

Internally no expense was spared on fitting out the home with the best of the best. In the entry foyer stained glass windows, an artisan designed wine cabinet and marble floors hint at the luxury to follow as you move through the rest of the house.

What could highlight the Tuscan flair of the home better than the private balconies off all bedrooms to take full advantage of the incredible river and park views.

The show-stopping whole floor master suite includes a sitting area, walk in robe, kitchenette and decadent ensuite. The ensuite features marble tiling, a dual vanity, a huge walk-in shower/ steam room with mosaicked bench seat and a freestanding tub to take in the views. Bellisimo!

Other luxe features of note include a traditional fireplace, two living areas plus formal dining, a granite wet bar, an outdoor Tuscan stone pool, courtyard and expansive BBQ area.

Perhaps best of all, what Italian home would be complete without a lavish kitchen to whip up a feast for the whole family. With granite benchtops, premium cabinetry, a walk in pantry, European fittings and a $30,000 ILVE oven shipped from Venice (that had to be craned into place!) tops off the decadent chef’s kitchen.

Kerry says the thing they love most about their home is the connection they have with the community where they sit on the balcony with a wine and people watch whilst looking out over the river, occasionally having a chat with passers by. Sounds like it’ll be a tough spot to give up!

For more home reno inspiration check out the story behind a breathtaking Victorian masterfully transformed and a quirky Collingwood apartment makeover.

Larissa Gardner
Larissa Gardner is the Marketing Manager at arguably Australia’s best looking real estate website homely.com.au. With a superb devotion to product innovation, user-centred design and innovative marketing platforms for real estate agents, homely.com.au helps millions of Australians find their next home.

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