A Circa 1910 cottage that cost just $3000 about 60 years ago is now on the market with a price guide of $3.7 million.
One of the few original, Federation, weatherboard cottages remaining in the Fairlight area, the three-bedroom home at 11 La Perouse St, Fairlight, has been fully renovated, yet still retains its period charm.
Twin sisters Michelle Roberts and Jenny Benstead told realestate.com.au they are selling the home after the recent death of their mother, who was 85.
“We moved here when we were one, and mum and dad had this house for 60 years.
“Mum and dad met on a boat going to London and got married nine weeks later. They came back here to Manly where dad was from – mum was from Brisbane – and they lived with nanna before they bought this really old rundown Federation weatherboard in 1961.”
Their father renovated the cottage, which originally had an outdoor toilet, and about 30 years ago added a portion to the rear of the home, which now contains the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
It’s not unusual for homes purchased decades ago to make a significant profit, with a 78 pound Pearl Beach home recently selling for $2.5 million.
Circa 1910, Ms Roberts and Ms Benstead gave the home a full makeover before listing it for sale with Belle Property’s Luke Burgess and Sam Griffiths.
They pulled up the carpet to return the original pine floorboards to their former glory, installed a new kitchen and repainted the home.
They also replaced the deck and the roof.
The listing describes the home as a “faithfully restored and freshly renovated bungalow to provide a sumptuous beach house on a tropical garden oasis”.
Features include high ceilings, original floorboards and fireplaces, and a stunning, contemporary kitchen that overlooks the living and dining area.
There’s also a second lounge and a large, sunny entertaining deck.
The home is set on 465sq m in a quiet, leafy street within 250m of Manly West Public School, local shops and transport.
The property will go to auction on Saturday 20 August at 2.30pm.
