FOR most Australians, annual leave is a God-given right but when Albany Bell built his “castle” factory on Guildford Road, Mt Lawley in 1914, eyebrows would have been raised at his staff getting two weeks’ holiday a year.
Famed for his philanthropy, the founder of Silver Chain and WA’s YMCA built the striking castle to “establish a factory in pleasant surrounds” that incorporated “superior working conditions and amenity”.
It must have been a “sweet” job on many levels, with workers turning out cakes and confectionary for the boss’s chain of tea rooms.
Since then the striking pink and cream factory has been many things including a chicken hatchery, a backup office for WA Newspapers—in case its head office was bombed during the war—and a school for the Blind Association.
A couple of years ago it was converted into apartments, set in genteel gardens.
This two-bedroom abode, on the ground floor, may not share the gothic windows and fantastic crenellations of those on Guildford Rd, but towering ceilings and massive sash windows ensure the warehouse conversion has plenty of heritage cred, in a thoroughly modern setting. Wandering through lawns and pleasant gardens it was tempting to take a pew on one of two couches in the sun-drenched courtyard fronting this cute apartment.
Instead, I stepped into the entry vestibule, with its massive floor-to-ceiling window, to discover the perfect abode for a young couple—or retirees looking to down-size—who don’t want to compromise on character or a Mt Lawley address.
Honey-gold timber floors are a rich contrast to the crisp white walls in the spacious light-filled open plan living area.
A galley-style kitchen ensures the best use of space, but that doesn’t equate to cramped, and there’s plenty of bench space and cupboards, including a double pantry.
The main bedroom is spacious, with a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the second bedroom has an open ensuite, complete with bath and separate shower (and a separate loo).
This is a great location, with Perth mere minutes away by car, bus, or even bike, as are a slew of cafes and shops, and the river foreshore is a short walk away.
by JENNY D’ANGER
12/1 Thirlmere Road, Mt Lawley
from $589,000
Carlos Lehn
0416 206 736
Acton Mt Lawley
9272 2488
Perth Voice Interactive 
Leave a comment