TRANSFORMING a beautiful Blair Athol bungalow into a state-of-the-art modern home has been a labour of love for Leon and Shannah Perre who, with a baby on the way, are now looking for a seachange.
Mr and Mrs Perre bought the 50 Warren Ave home in 2008 – attracted by both its appealing facade and location – and embarked on an extensive renovation in 2012.
“It was in original condition when we bought it and I really liked the set-up and thought it was the perfect property to do the full renovation,” Mr Perre says.
“We gave it more of a contemporary feel and made it feel more open. I do love the old houses but it had to have the modern touch with the open-plan living. I just wanted space and this home just lives and breathes space.
“It was a massive effort.”
The home has four bedrooms, the master suite with a walk-in robe and an ensuite with shower, toilet and double vanity, and there is also a formal lounge.
At the rear of the home is an open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone that opens out to an alfresco area overlooking an inground pool with water feature.
“For entertaining, being Italian we have plenty of family coming around and there’s lots of room at the back and a big entertaining area back there and it’s all enclosed,” Mr Perre says.
“You can fit so many people there and have huge celebrations that flow seamlessly from inside to outside, it’s a great place for a party.”
Mr Perre says he spared no expense on the renovation, using quality fixtures and finishings throughout including Caesarstone benchtops, porcelain tiles, luxury tapware, Victorian cornices, 2Pac cabinetry and European appliances in the kitchen, granite benchtops, jarrah flooring, reverse-cycle airconditioning and gas heating.
“Even outside, the concrete pool is fully tiled, the pavers are all glued down and grouted, so as far as quality, everything is the best you can get,” Mr Perre says.
With a baby on the way, Mr Perre says, as much as they have loved the home, it is time for his family to move closer to their workplace.
“We’ll really miss the house and we know someone will really enjoy it,” Mr Perre says.
“I’ve always loved Blair Athol and we’ve got Prospect Road’s shops and cafes only five minutes away, shopping centres and schools are close by, and you’re not even 10 minutes from the city. It’s a great place to live.
“Prospect is going to be the biggest up-and-coming suburb over the next 10 years.”
Mr Perre says the property’s flexible floorplan and proximity to a range of great schools makes it an ideal family home.
“It would be perfect for a family, with the four bedrooms and two bathrooms there’s plenty of room, and the really long and wide driveway with double garage at the rear would also make it perfect for a tradie,” he says.
Mr Perre says he was proud of the home’s transformation and says he enjoys showing it off to family and friends.
“We couldn’t be happier with the home. Every time we bring someone into the house it just blows their mind,” Mr Perre says.
$800,00 to $850,000
BLAIR ATHOL
50 WARREN AVE
Agent: Klemich Real Estate, ph 8356 0218, Marina Ormsby 0488 183 521.
FEATURES: Ducted reverse-cycle airconditioning throughout, a security system and intercom front gate entry, a cellar, surround sound speakers in the informal living area, fully irrigated front gardens, a utility room/laundry and secure off-street parking for up to six cars.
Auction: Saturday, August 20 at 10.30am.
Open: 2.30pm to 3pm Saturday, 11am to 11.30am tomorrow.
and 5.30pm to 6pm Tuesday.
Originally published as Majestic makeover for Blair Athol project
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7xaKlmqaTmnyzscClZJ6rpJbBpnvAnZylmZmZsm6%2FwGikmqKVqMGqr4ymmKSdn6uys3nFqKlmmpyWtrN5wK2fqKRdpb%2BwtsScq2imlazAbr%2FTqKmyZ2WbsHOywGpvcmtlba50f5VrmmxrZ2exdbKRnZqbmWhs