Perth Voice Interactive

HORSES and equipment bogged in a salt lake 100km out of Leonora in 1869 sparked in WA explorer John Forrest the idea of naming WA’s second largest mud hole after colonial secretary Fredrick Barlee.

Sir Fred, a pedantic man whose colourful career as the state’s top public servant spanned 20 years, may perhaps have been happier with his name also being given to the far-more charming Barlee Street, in Mt Lawley.

This quiet, tree-lined street is less than a two-minute stroll from the centre of the vibrant Beaufort Street cafe strip.

In the midst of art deco territory the three-bedroom home had me puzzled at first. Was it a renovated older home?

Nope, the vendor had it built just eight years ago and, as a fan of the inter-war period, included plenty of features associated with the vintage, including a delightful brick-framed, circular window on the front verandah and proper tuck-pointing of its half-brick wall.

Art deco ceilings, gas fireplaces and reproduction door handles and light switches grace this lovely home. The huge ’30s/‘40s wrought iron and glass light over the stairwell is a ripper.

The vendor proudly pointed out the finer details such as the way tiles in the ensuite are perfectly placed so there’s no half-tiles, and the mathematical precision of the decorative cornice: I reckon he would make a good mate for Sir Fred.

The elegant timber staircase, meanwhile, could withstand a nuclear explosion, with steel rods pinning it to the brick wall, ensuring not  so much as a whisper of movement no matter how boisterously the kids race up and down.

Two of the ground-floor bedrooms feature walls of glass that gaze out to a lush, tropical courtyard. With an ensuite and walk-in robe one could easily become a main, or you could choose to remain in the upstairs version.

Living spaces are upstairs, with a spacious kitchen dining area and a semi-open lounge.

Sundown is “champagne o’clock” on the street-facing balcony off the lounge, a pleasant spot to while away the time between getting home and dinner, according to the vendor.

The generous kitchen is perfect for whipping up a meal, sleek black marble topping the swathe of benches, creating a timeless elegance against white cupboards and drawers.

A timeless abode, a seamless marriage of yesteryear’s charm and today’s convenience.

by JENNY D’ANGER

31 Barlee Street, Mt Lawley
$1.195 million
Toby Baldwin 0418 914 926
Acton Mt Lawley 9272 2488