Take A Look Inside This Grand (Slightly Bonkers) Mount Lawley Home

Another week, another whacky home that we’re very, very excited to show you!

This week, we’ve got a technicolour dream on our hands with this historic hunk, located on Walcott Street just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Mount Lawley.

The grand home was originally built in 1930 for prominent pawnbroker Phineas Seeligson. The esteemed businessman and member of the Perth Jewish community also commissioned WA’s only purpose-built pawnbroker building, an ornate 1894 Federation Romanesque-style building designed by Henry Stirling Trigg, still located at 143 Barrack Street.

As well as being the location of WA’s first ever Chinese restaurant (Cafe Nanking, which opened in 1930), you may know it as Toastface Grillah’s original location.

Photo via State Heritage Register

The home was – and remains – one of the grandest single level homes in Mount Lawley, with ornate details throughout the home that have been maintained over its almost century-long lifespan.

A distinctive entryway makes a statement as soon as you approach the home, with a domed awning leading into the covered front porch and return verandah, which in turn leads into an impressive foyer.

Adjoining the foyer, you’ll be swept away by the one-of-a-kind living room. Of course, you can’t miss that stunning, blue tiled fireplace, which rises onto the wall with an impressive Gothic arch. The blue is emphasised by wall-to-wall Chinoiserie wallpaper, as well as painted details in the opulent ceiling rose and crown moulding.

Through beveled glass double pocket doors, you can move through to the opulent billiard room, complete with international-sized billiard table that’s been used by world champion players.

Between the billiard room and the classic, checkerboard-tiled kitchen at the rear of the house, you’ll find not only a formal dining room but a modestly-sized room that was once maid’s quarters. The dining room features another distinctive Gothic arch above the fireplace, as well as some impressive wallpaper and that painted ceiling rose. (How dainty are those gold bows?!)

The primary bedroom is hugely spacious – as well as the ornate ceiling details, extensive built in robes reflect a timeless luxury and meticulous, handcrafted approach.

If you’re in love with 132 Walcott Street’s quirky, historical charm, make sure to check out its listing – the auction is scheduled to take place on Saturday October 15.