THE WEEKEND WEST WEST REAL ESTATE DECEMBER 21-22, 2013 • 3

WestRealEstate.com.au

When an old RSL hall onbusy Oxford Street inLeederville was put onthe market 15 years

ago, developer John Spaseski sawits potential.

With the local cafe strip andchic bars popping up regularly, theexperienced businessman hadplans to turn the site into high-end apartments for youngprofessionals wanting to live closeto the vibrant centre.

But after many years living inScarborough, he and his wife wereready for something different, andthey instead built a home wherethe old hall stood, moving in sevenyears ago, while holding onto theland that was once the grounds ofthe RSL club.

Last year, the couple finallydecided to build two separatehomes on the back block, opting tocreate four-bedroom, twobathroom luxury properties.

“Since we moved fromScarborough, we’ve found we loveinner-city living,” Mr Spaseskisaid.

“It’s really different in terms oftravelling — it’s easy and youdon’t even need a car.

“The idea was to build homes

that people could really enjoy,while making the most of theposition. It’s very peaceful andluxurious, but the cafes and clubsare just a short walk away.”

Mr Spaseski worked closelywith designers from InspiredHomes on the layout and choseGerman marble for the floors andwalls, chestnut flooringdownstairs and bamboo upstairsand installed industrial bi-folddoors in the alfresco dining roomto create a versatile entertainingbalcony overlooking the parkopposite.

The ground floor’s open-plandesign incorporates the kitchen,dining and living areas.

A waterfall stone benchtopcombines with recessed stainless-steel sinks and sleek soft-closecabinetry to give the kitchen areal luxury feel, while the cleveruse of mirrors and lighting addssophistication.

The balcony also features astainless-steel built-in barbecue,sink, Caesarstone benchtop, glasssplashback and provides a greatview.

The powder room, off the entry,is tiled from floor to ceiling incrisp white.

A ground-floor bedroom has acustomised robe and ensuitebathroom with feature accenttiles.

The upper floor reveals anactivity or sitting room and hasanother balcony overlooking thepark.

The main suite and one of theminor bedrooms have sliding-dooraccess to the terrace.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framea calming outlook from the mainsuite.

Developing that inner-city vibe

Leederville 4 21/335 Oxford StreetFrom $1.3 million225sqm, two storeys, gated front courtyard, cedar-lined alfresco balconies,tree-top views, intercom security, designer kitchen, jarrah staircase, securegated entry, storeroom, automatic sensor lights to undercroft, ductedreverse-cycle air-conditioningAgent Stephen Humble, of DQ Real Estate, on 0421 857 869

COVER STORY

■ Connie Clarke

Property sales for Perth #Last week 895................................................................4 weeks ago^ 920................................................................Same week last year 828................................................................

Property listed for sale * 9496..............................................................Houses 6293..............................................................Units 1936..............................................................Land 1267..............................................................Property listed for rent * 4619..............................................................

Three months to November 2013Median Rent $460................................................................Vacancy Rate 3.0%................................................................

Property listed for sale * ................................................................4 weeks ago 981412 months ago 10,398................................................................Property listed for rent *................................................................4 weeks ago 432212 months ago 2748................................................................

Week ending December 18, 2013 # Contract sales reported by REIWA members ^ May have changed due to sales falling through * Listed on reiwa.com and other sources

Top-selling suburbsNORTH OF RIVER SOUTH OF RIVER

Wembley 19 Baldivis 13...................................................................................................Perth 18 Midland 13...................................................................................................Butler 13 Gosnells 12...................................................................................................Balga 12 Willetton 12...................................................................................................East Perth 11 Byford 8...................................................................................................

Properties listed for sale *

9496(Dwelling sales only)

PERTH MARKET REAL FACTS

This two-storey Comoproperty is positioned toenjoy sunsets over theCanning River all year

round — from both the inside andoutside living areas.

The 17-year-old home has beenkept in immaculate condition bythe current owners and theminimalist and practical design istimeless — perfect for the additionof modern furniture and fittingsor else suitable for moretraditional styling.

The first-floor open-plan living,kitchen and dining areas featureplenty of large windows, many ofwhich overlook the palm-filledgarden and partially grassed andpaved courtyard. A reserve isdirectly opposite.

A dark-red feature wall adds ahint of bold colour to the upperlevel, while neutral colours

predominantly feature throughoutthe rest of the home.

Balcony areas at either end ofthe first level offer the choice ofriver and garden views at thefront of the property, or a moreprivate, partially enclosed alfrescoarea at the rear, with direct accessto the kitchen.

Just off the main living area is apowder room for guests and theonly first-floor bedroom. The mainsuite includes a walk-in robe withdrawer, hanging and overheadstorage space, river views and aspacious ensuite.

Downstairs, timber flooringfeatures heavily and flows fromthe entry into the second livingarea — which leads directly out tothe front courtyard and gardenvia glass sliding doors.

Both of the minor doublebedrooms include built-in robes.One also offers direct access to theground-floor bathroom.

Como3 2

124 Mary StreetFrom $1,195,000Green title 403sqm block, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, establishedgardens, two upstairs balconyareas, river views, powder room,security gate entry, three-minutedrive to Preston Street shoppingarea, parking for three carsAgent Frank Sanchez, of AceRealty, on 0419 367 999 or 9364 9999

Past or present rightat home in layout■ Crystal Roberts