Perth Voice Interactive

WITH the mercury topping 40 it was cool relief to step into the long entry hall of this Vine Street, North Perth home.

Over an icy glass of water and comfortably seated in the street-facing lounge, the vendor and I discovered a mutual love of travelling, and of vintage homes.

The room was a pleasant temperature despite the heat outside, thanks to high ceilings and ducted air conditioning.

In winter the gas-powered “open fire” no doubt creates a very different ambience, one that would be equally welcoming.

Jarrah floors, ceiling roses, deep skirting and sash windows tell of the dwelling’s history, at a time when North Perth was a very different place.

These day’s it’s close to the area’s vibrant cafe culture, and mere minutes from the CBD by bus, and is a genteel slice of urban Perth, with lovely older homes and tree-lined streets, such as this one.

Sitting on 254sqm, and with three bedrooms and one bathroom, this is the perfect abode for a professional couple, or retirees looking to downsize.

The two bedrooms (one with city views) are upstairs, while the main is on the ground floor, saving ageing knees.

“It’s a small house but there’s plenty of room for the grandkids,” the vendor says, smiling fondly at recollections of many visits by his own.

He fits the gray nomad bracket and says heading off in the caravan at the drop of a hat is as simple as locking the front doors.

When not travelling, entertaining in the front courtyard with its high, vine-covered fence is a simple affair.

“It’s private and quiet, but you can fit a fair throng of people out there,” the vendor says.

He’ll miss the kitchen, he tells me, having overseen renovations a couple of years ago.

And I can see why, as it’s lovely big room, with cool-to-the-touch grey-flecked granite bench tops, a huge double pantry, and a smaller one, along with a bank of soft-close drawers.

The rear “garden” is purely utilitarian, with paving, a clothes line and old loo, and access to the huge double garage–with mezzanine storage.

Close to schools, shops and cafes, Beatty Park for swimming and Hyde Park for festivals this is a great locale, and a delightful home. An inner-suburbs house with character for the price of an apartment — definitely worth a look.

by JENNY D’ANGER

1 Vine Street, North Perth
$795,000
Donna Buckovska | 0419 928 467
Beaufort Realty | 9227 0887