Built in 1928 when Sunshine reigned as the Southern Hemisphere's greatest manufacturing centre, this captivating California Bungalow carries the romance of the Harvester Works era and nearly a century of cherished memories within its gracious weatherboard walls.
Named Ciel Bleu - Blue Skies - by devoted owners Doreen and Vic Hiam in 1943 after their favourite Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire musical, this distinguished address has remained one of Albion's premier homes since the day a Harvester Works foundry manager first opened its doors.
Original stained-glass windows filter light through elegant hallways where decorative ceiling roses and classic proportions speak eloquently of refined beginnings. Three generous bedrooms with lofty ceilings create accommodation of enduring character, served by two updated bathrooms where contemporary styling honours the home's heritage charm.
Living and dining spaces flow with period grace, enhanced by ornate archways and beautiful original details that have been lovingly preserved. The functional kitchen provides everyday convenience with scope to add modern touches when desired, while ducted hydronic heating and cooling ensure year-round comfort throughout.
The true magic of Ciel Bleu unfolds in the expansive garden where Doreen's cherished roses still bloom at the front gate and an extraordinary edible landscape thrives. Two apple trees, lemon trees, a peach, a quince, an olive and a fig tree create an abundant harvest backdrop, complemented by flowering gums, silver princesses, bottlebrush, white correas, grevilleas and lavender that transform the garden into a botanical sanctuary.
Here, beneath established canopies and beside productive fruit trees, a self-contained studio/fourth bedroom and separate home office building deliver remarkable versatility on an allotment measuring some 691sqm approx. These independent rear structures - showcasing contemporary comfort with their own amenities - offer exceptional flexibility for extended family accommodation, creative pursuits or thriving work-from-home arrangements.
A rear deck accessed through sliding glass doors creates seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining, while garden pergola with firebox, outdoor shower, and substantial Colorbond water tanks add practical lifestyle appeal. Off-street parking and workshop storage complete this outstanding offering.
Thoughtful improvements including rewiring, restumping, retrofit wall insulation and underfloor insulation ensure modern performance within this character-filled sanctuary. Walk to Albion train station for effortless city connections, stroll to Perth Avenue's village shops and cafes, enjoy the convenience of Sunshine Marketplace shopping and discover the recreational pleasures of Selwyn Park.
From foundry managers to beloved local butchers, from garden parties beneath the fruit trees to quiet creative mornings in sun-drenched studios, Ciel Bleu has sheltered lives well lived for
nearly a century. This beautiful, light-filled California Bungalow now awaits a new family to write the next chapter of its remarkable story.
Blue skies, nothing but blue skies from now on...
