A top-quality renovation has transformed this pair of central Albany cottages into modern homes while preserving beautiful character features from their 1880s origins. Timber floors, high ceilings, panel doors, picture rails and sash windows complement architectural features such as ornate hallway arches and open fireplaces, all of which are offset with modern kitchens and bathrooms finished to a high specification. The adjoining brick and Zincalume cottages, which are almost identical, offer numerous possibilities for the owners. There’s the option to live in one and rent out the other, or lease both. They are also fitted out to present as attractive short-term lets to discerning visitors, such as through Air BnB. Then there’s the possibility of converting them to one big, desirable family residence with the advantage of a straightforward construction project. This real estate parcel offers realistic prospects of an annual return of 8 per cent, making it a potentially lucrative investment for an astute purchaser. Boosting the homes’ appeal to owners, tenants and visitors – and enhancing the outlook for future capital growth – is their location a stroll away from the CBD’s cafés, entertainment and shops. The property is a short drive from iconic Middleton Beach, coastal walk trails and sporting facilities, and good primary and high schools are almost opposite. Charming from the street with their mirror-image facades and front verandas, the terraced homes are set in private cottage gardens on 479.5sqm blocks. They are reached via a slip road off the main road and have parking spaces at the front. They each have generous living rooms with glazing along one wall, and doors leading out to sheltered rear decks for barbecues and summer relaxation. All bedrooms are big doubles. Cleverly combining laundries and shower rooms has maximised space in these wet areas, which are finished with smart new cabinetry, fittings, tapware and tiling. The lovely, country-style kitchens have been tastefully fitted out with white cabinetry and black bench-tops, set off with practical timber-look vinyl flooring. Each has a gas stove, a pantry cupboard and space for a dining table. Décor perfectly complements the Victorian architectural style in shades from a muted neutral palette, and blinds and tiling set the place off brilliantly. Private and easy to maintain with mulched garden beds and water-wise native plantings, the fenced back yards include toolsheds, small areas of lawn and enough space for growing herbs and veggies. These outstanding buildings stylishly reflect an era of old Albany while offering a high level of comfort and convenience. Talk to Evan Samiotis of First National Real Estate to discover the many facets of this impressive property and its top-notch appeal for owner-occupiers or investors.