Authentic abode rich in history, art and lifestyle

Visiting this home feels like an event.

The limestone-constructed abode inspires a sort of reverence, as its circa 1902 design juxtaposes with more modern restorations and expansions.

The home has a sense of understated confidence in its own design, not overly eager to announce itself to the world, instead asking the observer to get a closer look to admire its beauty and staggering craftsmanship.

Blending in with the surrounding vegetation, the home is part of a trio of Queen Anne Federation-style residences designed by the Western Australian architect JJ Talbot Hobbs, with the limestone walls hearkening back through the property’s 119 years of life.

The modern renovations perfectly unify with the history of the home, giving the property a high concept and ostentatious facelift.

“We purchased our home in 1996 and we loved the fact that it was a limestone house and had history attached to it,” the owner said. “I could see it as our family home from the first time we stepped foot into it.

“We renovated and did an addition in 2000-2001.

“I had always wanted to combine old with new and had been inspired by I.M.Pei’s Louvre Pyramid, Carlo Scarpa and Luis Barragan.

“I have done everything in the home, from the concept of the architecture to our interiors.

“I have sourced the pieces from Australia and overseas, specifically New York and Paris.”

Spread across three levels, the inside of the home is just as jaw-dropping as the facade, with high ceilings, black timber floors contrasting with white walls, a feature staircase and arches combining to create a world-class property.

“My favourite space, or thing to do, is to sit on the floor in front of the fireplace by myself with a cup of tea,” the owner said. “It’s everything I love captured in one moment.

“The feeling of the room is very comforting even though it is visually layered, and the fact that the garden is captured in the mirror in the room is beautiful.”

The home enjoys four bedrooms and three bathrooms, alongside an expansive verandah that encompasses half the outer ring of the home.

The garage/basement has two different storerooms and leads up into the expansive kitchen on the first floor.

The clever floor plan on this level combines the benefits of open-plan living with the flexibility of compact spaces that can be opened or closed off to create more privacy, easily adapting to the evolving needs of modern family life.

The home is surrounded by lush, meticulously cultivated tranquil gardens, which provide delight and functional, accessible spaces that easily transition from indoors to the alfresco.

There are also gentle water features on the property, as well as a stunning 90-year-old frangipani offering shade and fragrance.

The top floor is dominated by the four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with two balconies to enjoy as well.

“I love that my home is authentic,” the owner said. “We have lived in it exactly as we wanted to do.

“We have raised five children here, amongst the art, and we have never been precious about it.

“We have been respectful, but it is a home that has had lots of family and friends through it for 25 years, and the quality of our lives has been all the better for it.”

143 Forrest Street, Peppermint Grove

Beds: 4

Baths: 3

Price: $7.95 million

Agent: Mack Hall Real Estate

Contact: Mack Hall, 0417 744 600

Adam Lenegan, 0417 286 163