WOOD STREET FREMANTLE

Pre-sale renovation

Built in 1901 and held by one family for four decades, this Fremantle worker's cottage had genuine character — and genuine potential. IKOS was brought in to honour both. The approach was careful and considered: modernise without erasing. Inside, the exposed jarrah ceiling beams were whitened to lift the rooms without losing the heritage detail. Timber window frames, once painted in a heavy red, were brought back to a soft, warm white — immediately fresher, immediately more sellable. New light fittings and fans were installed throughout, internal concrete floors painted, and a brand new laundry fitted from scratch. Outside, the picket fencing was reworked and tired old paving replaced with new courtyard landscaping — effectively doubling the outdoor living space and transforming what had been a forgotten corner into a genuine feature. The result was a home that felt restored rather than renovated. Sympathetic to its era, but entirely ready for the next owner.

Sold: $1,850,000
Valued before works: ~$1,300,000
Investment: $60,000 
Return on investment: 400%

Styled for sale by Style Counsel