Perth Voice Interactive

A LOVE of timber was evident as the vendor of this Mt Lawley home showed me around, failing totally to contain his enthusiasm.

Having done most of the work himself on the magnificent extension of this art deco home, the carpenter/joiner has every reason to be proud.

Much of the timber was sourced from the old Midland barracks including the rich, chocolatey jarrah of the floor and stairs and the honey-gold karri of the soaring cathedral ceiling in the main bedroom.

The jarrah was so gorgeous he couldn’t bear to throw any away, so he laminated off-cuts to make the stairs. The result is a magnificent montage of rich brown hues that look like they are part of the original home.

Lovely Tasmanian oak panelling conceals a huge under-stairs cupboard, and the art deco filigree woodwork of the spacious entry hall is down to the owner.

The result of his hard work and meticulous care is a stunning four-bedroom/three-bathroom home (on a whopping 881sqm) that builds on its heritage beginnings and adds a depth of genteel charm perfectly suited to a modern lifestyle.

Three of the bedrooms are downstairs in the original home, along with a study.

Upstairs the soaring ceiling dwarfs a king-size bed and a huge sitting area, while the walk-in robe is a monster space and the spacious ensuite has a spa bath, separate shower, and double vanities.

Large French doors lead to a spacious balcony where lush greenery creates a Bali feel, as you gaze down on the pool and thatched cabana.

The voluminous open plan living/dining/kitchen is pure 21st century, with more than a nod to the home’s origins to keep the art deco theme.

The expansive kitchen has lovely granite benches topping timber cupboards, and there’s a generous pantry.

Floor-to-ceiling glass brings the magnificently lush tropical garden indoors, or step out onto the ample timber deck and breath in the fresh air.

Apart from carpentry the vendor is a martial arts exponent, running classes from a huge studio at the rear of the property.

A timber deck overlapping the pool makes a quick dip after a work-out as simply as falling off a log.

The two-storey studio is also the most meticulously neat workshop imaginable, and if new owners are so disposed I reckon it would make a superb second abode.

There’s so much to love about this home, including its location, with the Beaufort Street strip mere metres away, and rising from the ashes Mt Lawley primary school is right next door.

by JENNY D’ANGER

84 Second Avenue, Mt Lawley
$1.888–$1.988 million
Tracey Phillips | 0419 929 688
Aneta Ward | 0413 41 859
Professionals Michael Johnson
and Co | 9370 7777