SOLD BY MICHAEL HARRIES & KAT GODDARD - Ray White Dethridge Groves Fremantle
In 1901, the foundation stone for Fremantle's Trades Hall was laid by Western Australia's first Premier, Sir John Forrest. This imposing example of Federation civic architecture has witnessed the sweep of history: as the headquarters of the trades and labour movement in the port city; entertaining the crowds as the Old Trades Music Hall in the 60s; a hub for the orange-robed cult of Rajneesh in the wild 80s, and a convention centre in the early 2000s. The spirit of this magnificent West End building now lives on in a brilliant restoration undertaken with ambition, respect, and impeccable taste. It offers a singular opportunity to live by Esplanade Park in what must be Fremantle's finest residence.
The numbers 8 8 8 crown the grand façade - testament to the labour movement's quest for 8 hours work, 8 hours sleep and 8 hours leisure. In the marble-floored portico, arched niches bring the past alive, retaining the gold lettering listing the workers' organisations that once occupied the buiIding. All of the grandeur remains, but now the epic rooms and lofty ceilings offer an atmosphere of serenity and retreat, as fine interior design unfolds in a series of spectacular spaces for living, working and entertaining.
A majestic hallway opens to a space of ballroom dimensions, defined by tall curved windows, fabulous pressed tin ceilings, and stately bookcases from the old Battye Library. It can accommodate a business enterprise, massive studio, or whatever you wish, with sleek kitchenette and bathroom adjacent. A private high-walled courtyard has covered and open seating areas, and striking statuary rising from the pond. Also on ground level are three glorious bedrooms, two with their own sitting room adjacent, two beautiful bathrooms, and a laundry or kitchenette. All of the light fittings are dramatic design pieces.
The massive jarrah stair has been meticulously restored, rising to a marvellous bedroom suite with a glass balcony, and the bathroom and bar both concealed behind timber panelling. Beyond the landing and powder room, the home unfolds to cathedral-style living and dining, with a finely designed kitchen on a commercial scale for elevated entertaining. Step out to the terrace looking to Esplanade Park, or stack open the doors to an internal deck and pool.
Here is all the flexibility to configure as you wish. Simply enjoy the beauty of this elegant home, choose to incorporate business premises independent of the living zones, or consider short-stay accommodation at the very highest level. The residential aspect of the zoning is an unusual historic gift unlikely to be replicated in a building of such significance in this location, steps away from Bather's Beach. This is a remarkable opportunity.
4 Bedrooms, Theatre or 5th Bedroom, 3.5 Bathrooms, Expansive office/drawing room, Private courtyard
Grand Staircase, Expansive upper living, Commercial scale kitchen, Juliet balconies and Pool
Exceptionally rare: elegant residence of epic proportions
Important historic building, brilliant West End location
Impeccable restoration, finest interior design
Jarrah floors, grand central stair, lofty ceilings, arched windows
Ballroom-sized space for business or studio
Secluded high-walled courtyard and pond
Vast upper-level living with superb kitchen
Living stacks open to deck and pool
Serenely beautiful bedrooms, some with own lounge areas
Glass balconies look to park and historic streetscapes
Artwork lighting systems, fabulous light fittings
CCTV security and alarm, climate control, electronic blinds
Fibre to the building, data points throughout
Off-street parking for three cars
Stroll to Bathers Beach, park, restaurants, museums, galleries
Finer Details: Lot 1511 on Deposited Plan 107050
Water Rates: $4,427.79 per annum (Approx.)
Council Rates: $9,937.06 per annum (Approx.)
Please call Exclusive Selling Agents Michael Harries on 0434 076 229 or Kat Goddard on 0408 791 299 for further details or for a private viewing.
PLEASE NOTE while every effort has been made to ensure the given information, photos and floor plan is correct at the time of listing, this information is provided for reference only and is subject to change.
