OPINION: A taste of bygone luxury in Fremantle

Recently I stayed for a couple of nights in Fremantle.

I have always loved the port city since a youngster, when Alan Bond brought the America’s Cup to WA.

It was around that time that Freo got a real spruce-up, from pubs to eateries to hotels.

And the cappuccino strip (South Terrace) and the famous markets were the hip places to be.

Now, the 1987 America’s Cup defence is more than a generation ago and Alan Bond has come and gone.

In fact, you could say, time has also come and gone, in some respects, for the port city.

Like many town precincts today, there are the many empty shops and buildings that have seen better times, but, for me, there is still something special about this place that continues to pull me back.

When I visit the metro area, I always take time to look for interesting places to stay.

The current online home marketplace option for accommodation has really added a great dimension to travel.

Not only do you look forward to where you are going for a break but where you are staying.

It really is the case of creating the perfect sea change.

And Freo is ideal for such a getaway because the choice of this type of accommodation is quintessentially unique.

While visiting, I have stayed in modern apartments, old beach cottages and converted warehouses.

This time around though, I stumbled across something that was simply; “out of this world”.

It was a traditional bed and breakfast, in a home that would have graced the 19th century with aplomb.

All the rooms are appointed in both furniture style and artwork, including generous ensuites that, indeed, make you feel special.

My room included a huge four-poster king-size bed accompanied by lovely lounges, along with the usual modern conveniences, such as television and fridge.

It certainly transported me back in time.

I can picture the gentry of the day, arriving from long overseas ship voyages, arriving at the docks and then taken by horse and carriage to these grand old mansions to rest for the night before travelling on to some grand cattle or sheep station in the WA outback.

Now, for the breakfast.

No, although a special experience, I might just leave that to your imagination ...