73 Nolan Avenue

Upper Swan WA 6069

Part of the original Swan River Colony and the Shaw family's Belvoir estate, this 7.15 acre riverfront parcel was later sold to the Nolan family before the current family purchased it in 1929. This short and traceable provenance heightens the sense of heritage and creates a vivid connection to the area's history.

The homestead sits away from the road, behind paddocks once planted with vines. The current owners have a long family history of growing currants for the thriving dried fruit market, and keen-eyed gardeners will find heritage vines still on the property. Deep, loamy soil contributed much to the success of the area's agriculture and is a persuasive argument for restoring and replenishing the old orchard.

A wide verandah creates deep shade and leads to the home's main entry and a family room with wide Karri floorboards, a slow combustion fire set in the original fireplace and a reverse cycle air conditioner. Casement windows with original hardware look across the verandah to a small garden - a beacon for native birds - and out to an open lawn. Doors with Jarrah architraves lead to a formal lounge, three bedrooms and the renovated kitchen.

Updated in 2015 with a fitted pantry and under bench cabinets, the kitchen balances its original charm: a Metter's no. 1 stove set in the original fireplace, with the modern convenience of an electric oven and 4-burner gas hob. A formal dining room adjoins the kitchen, while a door to the rear verandah and peerless views across the vast banks of the Swan River - the perfect place for alfresco dining and entertaining. On this open, level area, horses used to work the farm once grazed.

The bedrooms to the north of the plan are part of a 1938 extension and have access to the front or rear verandah. Family legend states that the jarrah floorboards in the extension were sourced from army tents used to house soldiers. A good-sized bathroom, separate WC and sizeable walk-through laundry sit in a built-in area at one end of the rear verandah.

This incredible property offers remarkable lifestyle potential and the unparalleled magic of a riverfront location. The character home, where history is written in the original materials and features, has the space and scope for transformation. Rich, fertile soil, 7.15 mostly level acres, scheme and bore water open the possibility of farming, equine pursuits or planting a landmark garden. With easy access to the Great Northern Highway, the gourmet delights of the Swan Valley on the doorstep and the local primary school at the end of the road, the scene is set for the next chapter of this quintessentially Western Australian property.

To arrange an inspection of this property, call Nigel Williams on 0417 988 680...